Hepatitis C Antibody

Message

Performing Lab: Central Lab

Test Code

0982

Alias/See Also

Sunquest: HCV; Anti-HCV

CPT Codes
86803

Includes

If a patient is found to have a Positive (Reactive) Hepatitis C Antibody screen, reflex Hepatitis C Real- Time Quantitative PCR (HCVQT/Epic 4671) testing will be performed

Preferred Specimen

3.0 mL PPT (white-top) tube

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

Serum separator (tall gold-top)

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated

Specimen Stability

Refrigerated: 7 days

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Gross hemolysis

Methodology
Chemiluminescence Immunoassay

Setup Schedule

Monday - Friday

Report Available

2 Business Days

Limitations

If a patient is found to have a Reactive (Positive) Hepatitis C Antibody screen, reflex Hepatitis C Real-Time Quantitative PCR testing will be performed per the CDC guidelines. In the setting of a positive HCV Antibody with no detectable virus (HCV PCR Quantitative testing will be reported as “Not Detected”), consider repeat HCV PCR Quantitative testing in 4 – 6 weeks or perform additional testing such as liver function testing or consultation with a hepatologist.
Specimens resulted as Positive (Reactive) will be reported to the State Department of Health.

Reference Range

Negative (Non-reactive)

Clinical Significance

HCV Antibody testing is often used to screen for possible exposure to the Hepatitis C Virus. However, it cannot distinguish between current and past infection. If a patient is found to have a Reactive (Positive) Hepatitis C Antibody screen, reflex Hepatitis C Real-Time Quantitative PCR testing will be performed per the CDC guidelines. In the setting of a positive HCV Antibody with no detectable virus (HCV PCR Quantitative testing will be reported as “Not Detected”), consider repeat HCV PCR Quantitative testing in 4 – 6 weeks or perform additional testing such as liver function testing or consultation with a hepatologist.

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.