Hepatitis C virus – viral load

Alternative Names/Synonyms	Molecular quantitation of Hepatitis C virus DNA (viral load)
Laboratory	Microbiology
Sub-section	Serology
Specimen Type	○ Plasma ○ Serum ○ Dried blood spots (PHOL)

Other Information

○ This test should not be ordered unless an individual has a serologically confirmed Hepatitis C viral infection.
○ DBS samples are not a replacement for venous-collected samples as the sensitivity for detecting HCV RNA is lower than serum-collected patients.

Specimen Requirements (Tube Type)

○ Plasma: EDTA
○ Serum: Serum separator tube (clotted blood)
○ Dried blood spot card with at least 4 circles fully delineated with patient’s blood
○ Neonatal blood 1mL

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

PHOL

Routine Turnaround Time

○ 24 hours for in-house donors testing
○ Up to 6 days from receipt by PHO laboratory

Laboratory Contact Information

416-586-4800 extension 4519

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) for up to 24h. If a longer delay is expected, store specimen at refrigeration temperature (2-8˚C).

○ UHN/SH Microbiology Laboratory will refer the original positive specimen to the Public Health Ontario Laboratory for testing upon request

* Hepatitis C DNA testing will be performed in house on specimens from living or cadaveric donors. All other testing will be referred to the Public Health Ontario Laboratory for testing