Hepatitis D Virus RNA, Quantitative Real-Time PCR

Test Code

37889

CPT Codes
87523

Preferred Specimen

2 mL serum

Minimum Volume

0.6 mL

Instructions

Separate serum from whole blood within 24 hours. Freshly collected whole blood may be stored at 2-25° C for up to 24 hours before separation. Serum should be transported frozen on dry ice in plastic screw cap vials.

Transport Temperature

Frozen

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 24 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days

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

Serum not separated from whole blood • Specimens from leaking, uncapped or broken container

Methodology
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction

Setup Schedule

Sets up 6 days a week.

Clinical Significance

Hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection requires the surface antigen from HBV and may occur as an acute infection with HBV or as a superinfection of a chronic HBV infection. HDV should be considered in any individual who tests positive for the HBV surface antigen (HBsAg). The presence of HDV RNA in the serum reflects viral replication in the liver. HDV-HBV co-infection is considered the most severe form of chronic viral hepatitis due to more rapid progression towards liver-related death and hepatocellular carcinoma. HDV RNA, quantitative real-time PCR can assist with diagnosis of HDV infection as well as monitoring of treatment.

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.