HEPATITIS C VIRUS (HCV) RNA, QUANTITATIVE, NAA

Synonyms: Hepatitis C PCR; HCV RNA, HCV viral load, HCV Nucleic Acid Amplification (NAA)
Computer Code: (HCVQNA)
Specimen Collection: 5 mL blood (white preferred, lavender or yellow top tube acceptable). Specimen must be received within 5 hours of collection. Or 5 mL blood (white top tube) for Outreach Clients. Specimen must be spun within 6 hours of collection and received within 24 hours of collection.
Minimum Volume: 3 mL
Handling Instructions for Offsite Areas: Lavender or yellow top tube: Centrifuge for 10 min. at 3000 rpm, remove plasma and freeze within 6 hours of collection. White or gold top tube: Process within 6 hours of collection. Centrifuge for 10 min. at 3000 rpm. Transport at room temperature within 24 hours of collection.
Reference Values: Negative
Lab Code: Microbiology
Requisition: MOL DIAG See Test Requisition 9
Test Frequency: Weekly
Routine TAT: 7-14 days
Stat TAT: N/A
CPT Code(s): 87521
LCD or NCD:
Methodology Used:
See Addendum XVII