HEPATITIS C VIRUS PCR

6 - 10 mL blood in sterile EDTA container or serum separation tubes. Alternatively, at least 3 mL plasma or serum (separated from EDTA-treated or whole blood within 6 hours of collection by centrifugation at 800-1600g for 20 minutes at room temperature) in a sterile screw-capped polypropylene tube.

1.Diagnostic Purposes

1. For detection of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) viraemia prior to sero-conversion in cases of high risk exposures.
2. For confirmation of equivocal HCV serology results.
3. To detect HCV viraemia in immunosuppressed individuals.
4. For detection of HCV viraemia (which may be fluctuating) in anti-HCV antibody-positive patients or to diagnose chronic infection.

2.Monitoring Purposes

a. For monitoring response to treatment, where samples are obtained prior to, during and/or after treatment.

​Refrigerate sample until transfer to laboratory. Do not freeze (except for plasma or serum). Sample must reach the laboratory within 24 hours after collection for plain blood and 48 hours for EDTA blood (preferably within 6 hours for all samples). Plasma may be stored at 2 - 8°C for up to 2 days or frozen at -70°C before despatch to the laboratory.

​Real-time Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) (Roche COBAS 6800 HCV test)

​Not detected or Detected (quantity reported in IU/mL)

Linear Range: 15 to 1.00E+08IU/mL

​1 - 8 days

​Tuesday and Thursday