Hepatitis C Viral Load

Test information: The presence of Hepatitis C RNA in blood indicates active viral replication and therefore active Infection. This test is used to monitor response to treatment in known positive Hepatitis C patients. Newly reactive Hepatitis C antibody samples are tested locally for Hepatitis C RNA and if applicable sent to the reference laboratory for genotyping. It is also available for needle stick recipients, 6 weeks post exposure incident.

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

Turnaround Time: Same Day

Specimen Type(s)

• Clotted blood;

Other Acceptable Specimen Type(s)

N/A

Specimen Container - Adult

• Gold Top SST BD;

Specimen Container - Paediatric

• N/A;

Analytes

• Hepatitis C Virus RNA;

Part of a test profile?

No

Volume (min) of sample to be sent to laboratory

Clotted Blood: 10 - 20mL
Please note this test requires a minimum of 1 mL of serum to perform.

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).
• Clotted blood samples are stable up to 24 hours at 15 °C - 30 °C and up to 72 hours at 2 °C - 8 °C.

Maximum add on time

72 hours

Units and Reference Ranges / Interpretation

Units: IU/mL

Linear Range: 10 to 100,000,000 IU/mL

Limit of Quantification: 10 IU/mL

Limit of Detection: Please contact laboratory, this varies by genotype.

UKAS number

8869

UKAS accredited test?

Yes

Comments

N/A

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