Hepatitis C – serology

Alternative Names/Synonyms	Serologic detection of antibodies against Hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV)
Laboratory	Microbiology
Sub-section	Serology
Specimen Type	○ Serum ○ Plasma

Other Information

○ This test does not distinguish between IgM and IgG.

Specimen Requirements (Tube Type)

○ Serum: serum separator tube (clotted blood)
○ Plasma: EDTA-blood tube (lavender top)
○ Neonatal blood 1 mL

Collection Requirements

○ Decontaminate skin with 70% alcohol followed by iodine or chlorhexidine, collect at least 5 mL of blood

Sample Stability

Refer to section Sample Processing / Delivery

Referral Laboratory

In-house

Routine Turnaround Time

○ ~24 hours up to 3 days if the sample received on the weekend. Donors samples will always be processed in 24h.

Laboratory Contact Information

416-586-4800 extension 4520

Approval Required

Sample Processing / Delivery

○ Label specimen container. Place specimens in biohazard bag and seal.

○ Specimens should be stored and transported to the UHN/SH Microbiology Laboratory at room temperature (20-25˚C) immediately after collection for cadaveric donors (up to 3 days at room temperature), and at refrigeration temperature (2-8 ˚C) for the other samples.

○ The specimen will be referred to the Public Health Ontario Laboratory for testing after a first positive serology test. Testing for transplant (living/cadaveric donors) will be performed in house.