Hepatitis C Serology

Test information: Used in the diagnosis of acute Hepatitis C infection and determining carrier/donor status. Presence provides evidence of exposure HCV, but does not provide evidence of current active infection. Antibodies usually takes from 6 weeks to 3 months but may take up to six months to develop from time of exposure. In almost all patient's antibody is present by 1 month after onset of acute illness. Therefore, patients with acute hepatitis who initially test negative may need follow-up testing. This test should be used in conjunction with patient history and other hepatitis markers. Newly reactive samples are tested locally for Hepatitis C RNA and if applicable sent to the reference laboratory for genotyping.

Availability: Available locally Monday - Friday during routine hours: 08:45 - 17:15.

Turnaround Time: 3 Days

Specimen Type(s)

• Clotted blood;

Other Acceptable Specimen Type(s)

N/A

Specimen Container - Adult

• Gold Top SST BD;

Specimen Container - Paediatric

• Plain Top Sarstedt;

Analytes

• Hepatitis C Virus antibodies;

Part of a test profile?

No

Volume (min) of sample to be sent to laboratory

5 - 10mL

Patient Preparation, Sample Handling and Transport

• Minimum-clotting time 30 minutes.
• Specimens should be transported to the laboratory as soon as possible.
• Outside of normal hours samples should be refrigerated (2 °C to 8 °C).
• Do not send grossly haemolysed specimens.

Maximum add on time

N/A

Units and Reference Ranges / Interpretation

Hepatitis C Antibody Results: Non-reactive / Reactive
Hepatitis C Antibody Results: Negative / Positive

UKAS number

8869

UKAS accredited test?

Yes

Comments

• Performance has not been established using cadaver specimens.
• Interference may be encountered with certain sera containing antibodies against reagent components.
• Anti-HCV antibodies may be undetectable in some stages of the infection (acute phase of hepatitis or presence of a serological scar) and in some clinical conditions (immunosuppression).
• Specimens from heparinised patients may be partially coagulated and erroneous results could occur due to the presence of fibrin.

If you have any queries about a test or results interpretation please contact us.