HEPATITIS C QUANTITATIVE by PCR

Message

Testing must be done on the parent tube and cannot be shared. If additional tests are ordered, please submit one (1) dedicated tube for this test.

Test Code

HCVAL

Alias/See Also

Hep C; HCV; Hep C Viral Load; Hepatitis C Viral Load; HCVT

CPT Codes
87522

Includes

HCV by PCR Interpretation
HCV (IU/mL)
HCV (log IU/mL)
HCV Test Comment

Preferred Specimen

2 mL Serum collected in SST (gold top) tube

Minimum Volume

Min. 0.900 mL Serum or Plasma

Note: minimum volume does not allow for repeat testing

Other Acceptable Specimens

Plasma collected in EDTA gel separator (pearl top) EDTA
Plasma collected in EDTA (lavender top) tube

Instructions

Centrifuge for complete separation of serum and red cells.

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated

Specimen Stability

2-8°C up to 3 days for Whole Blood, Serum, or Plasma
-20°C Frozen 60 days. Serum or Plasma only

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

The following conditions will result in a rejected sample:

Heparinized plasma
QNS (quantity not sufficient)

Methodology
RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction)

Setup Schedule

M, Tu, W, Th, F

Report Available

Final report available within 1-4 days after receipt at the performing laboratory.

Reference Range

Not Detected

A qualitative interpretation of either DETECTED or NOT DETECTED is provided. When HCV is detected, a quantitative result of IU/mL and log (IU/mL) is also provided. The limit of quantitation for this assay is
12-100,000,000 IU/mL or 1.08-8.00 log (IU/mL).

Clinical Significance

Intended for use as an aid in the diagnosis of active HCV infection in individuals with antibody evidence of HCV
infection, and to aid in the management of patients with known active HCV infection, including Sustained Virologic Response (SVR) determination.

This assay is not intended to be used in screening blood, plasma, serum, tissue, or tissue donors for HCV.

Performed By
Alverno Laboratories

Performing Laboratory
Alverno Central Lab
NIMAM (Immunology, Alinity M)

Last Updated: April 30, 2026

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.