Hepatitis C Antibody with Reflex to HCV, RNA, Quantitative, Real-Time PCR

Test Code

8472

Includes

If Hepatitis C Antibody is reactive or borderline, then Hepatitis C Viral RNA, Quantitative, Real-Time PCR will be performed at an additional charge (CPT code(s): 87522).

Preferred Specimen

4 mL serum

Minimum Volume

3 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

Plasma collected in: EDTA (lavender-top) tube

Transport Temperature

Room temperature

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 72 hours
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days

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

Gross hemolysis • Grossly lipemic

Methodology
Immunoassay (IA)

FDA Status
The analytical performance characteristics of this assay have been determined by Quest Diagnostics. The modifications have not been cleared or approved by the FDA. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes.

Setup Schedule

A.M. Sets up 6 days a week.

Limitations

Results obtained from immunosuppressed patients should be interpreted with caution. Patients receiving mouse antibody therapy may produce false-negative results.

Clinical Significance

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is a major cause of hepatitis. The clinical symptoms of an HCV infection are variable. Infection with HCV results in a chronic infection in 50 to 80% of cases. The "window" between HCV acquisition and seroreactivity is highly variable; up to six months.

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.