Synonym(s):
For determining the genotype of Hepatitis C virus (total of 6 major types, and their most common subtypes) for patients with known infection.
5 mL of plain blood in serum separation tubes or EDTA-treated whole blood in sterile EDTA tube. Alternatively, 2 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. Samples should be collected from patients positive for HCV RNA with a viral load of > 3,700 IU/ML.
Refrigerate sample until transfer to laboratory. Do not freeze (except for plasma or serum). Blood sample must reach the laboratory within 24 hours after collection for plain blood or 48 hours for EDTA blood (preferably within 6 hours for all samples). Serum or plasma can be stored at 2 - 8°C for up to 2 days or frozen at -70°C before despatch to the laboratory.
Polymerase chain reaction and reverse hybridization (Line Probe Assay from Siemens)
HCV Genotype 1(1A,1B), 2(2A,2B,2C), 3(A,B,C,K), 4(A,B,C,D,E,F,H), 5A and 6(A,B,C-L) identified.
2 - 15 days
Variable
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