Alpha Medical Lab

Hepatitis C Viral RNA, Quantitative, Real-Time PCR

Ordered Test Code:

HCVPCR

Lab Test Component	Requirement
Test Name	Hepatitis C Viral RNA, Quantitative, Real-Time PCR
Alpha’s Order Test Code	HCVPCR
Specimen Collection Tube	EDTA/3mL
Collection Tube Handling	Plasma collected in: PPT potassium EDTA (white-top) tube • Serum
Minimum Volume	1.8mL
Transport Temperture	Refrigerated
Stability	Refrigerated: 14 days; Frozen: 42 days
Collection Instructions	“Freshly drawn specimens (whole blood) may be stored at 2-25° C for up to 24 hours prior to centrifugation. Separate plasma or serum from cells within 24 hours of collection by centrifugation. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for collection tube handling.”

Clinical Significance

“Hepatitis C (HCV) viral genotype is required prior to the initiation of antiviral therapy with direct acting agents. In addition, the FDA package insert recommends baseline NS5a resistance testing for HCV genotype 1a patients being evaluated for treatment with Zepatier™, which contains the NS5a inhibitor elbasvir and the NS3 protease inhibitor grazoprevir. This reflex code offers clinicians the option to obtain the HCV Viral load, HCV genotype and NS5a resistance testing with a single test order when considering treatment with Zepatier™ or in other circumstances where all three tests are warranted.”