HEP C RNA QUANTITATIVE PCR

Test Code

HEPCRNAPCRVL

Alias/See Also

HCV Viral Load
Hep C Viral Load
HCPCR
HCVRNAPCRQT
35645

CPT Codes
87522

Preferred Specimen

3 mL Plasma collected in EDTA plasma separtor tube (Pearl Top)

Minimum Volume

1 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

3 ml Plasma collected in: EDTA (Lavender Top)

two tubes.
5 mL Serum collected in SST(Gold Top) tube.

Instructions

Do not freeze whole blood or any samples stored in primary tube. Freshly drawn specimens (whole blood) may be stored at 2-25° C for up to 24 hours prior to centrifugation. Separate plasma from cells within 24 hours of collection by centrifugation. Follow manufacturer's instructions for collection tube handling.

Transport Container

Plastic screw-cap vial

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated (Cold Pack)

Specimen Stability

Room Temperature:    24 hours
Refrigerated:               6 days
Frozen:                        12 weeks

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

Samples not labeled with full name and date of birth.
Whole blood samples greater than 24 hours old
Frozen whole blood
Specimen storage and stability requirements not met.

Methodology

Cobas® HCV RNA Quantitation, PCR

Setup Schedule

Tuesday,Friday

Reference Range

HCV RNA, QN, Real-Time PCR		< 15 IU/mL
HCV RNA, QN, Real-Time PCR		<1.18 LOG IU/mL
HCV RNA, QN, Real-Time PCR Interpretation		Not detected

Clinical Significance

Useful in monitoring Hepatitis C therapy and/or disease progression.

Performing Laboratory
Meritus Medical Laboratories

Last Updated: December 28, 2023

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.