Assay does not differentiate between type 1a and 1b, or between rare type 6 and type 1. Do not order prior to molecular confirmation of positive hepatitis C (HCV) screen.
Please submit most recent viral load and test date, if available.
Reference Interval
By report
Interpretive Data
Hepatitis C viral RNA is tested using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to amplify a specific portion of the 5' untranslated region (5' UTR) of the viral genome. The amplified nucleic acid is sequenced bidirectionally using dye-terminator chemistry (ABI). Sequencing data is compared to a database of characterized sequences.
Isolates of hepatitis C virus are grouped into six major genotypes (1-6). These genotypes are subtyped according to sequence characteristics. Due to high conservation of the 5' untranslated region of the HCV genome, this test has limitations in differentiating subtype 1a from 1b. Therefore, these subtypes will be reported as "1a or 1b." In rare instances, type 6 virus may be misclassified as type 1.
Notes
This test may be unsuccessful if the HCV RNA viral load is less than log 3.6 or 4000 IU/mL.
CPT Codes
87902
Billable SIM Number(s)
3008790202
LOINC
92731-9
Overview
Ordering Recommendations
Assay does not differentiate between type 1a and 1b, or between rare type 6 and type 1. Do not order prior to molecular confirmation of positive hepatitis C (HCV) screen.
Please submit most recent viral load and test date, if available.
Interpretive
Reference Interval
By report
Interpretive Data
Hepatitis C viral RNA is tested using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to amplify a specific portion of the 5' untranslated region (5' UTR) of the viral genome. The amplified nucleic acid is sequenced bidirectionally using dye-terminator chemistry (ABI). Sequencing data is compared to a database of characterized sequences.
Isolates of hepatitis C virus are grouped into six major genotypes (1-6). These genotypes are subtyped according to sequence characteristics. Due to high conservation of the 5' untranslated region of the HCV genome, this test has limitations in differentiating subtype 1a from 1b. Therefore, these subtypes will be reported as "1a or 1b." In rare instances, type 6 virus may be misclassified as type 1.
Notes
This test may be unsuccessful if the HCV RNA viral load is less than log 3.6 or 4000 IU/mL.
