Hepatitis C virus – viral load
| Molecular quantitation of Hepatitis C virus DNA (viral load) | |
| Microbiology | |
| Serology | |
| ○ 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.
○ DBS samples are not a replacement for venous-collected samples as the sensitivity for detecting HCV RNA is lower than serum-collected patients.
○ 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
○ Serum: Serum separator tube (clotted blood)
○ Dried blood spot card with at least 4 circles fully delineated with patient’s blood
○ Neonatal blood 1mL
○ Decontaminate skin with 70% alcohol followed by iodine or chlorhexidine, collect at least 5 mL of blood
Refer to section Sample Processing / Delivery
PHOL
○ 24 hours for in-house donors testing
○ Up to 6 days from receipt by PHO laboratory
○ Up to 6 days from receipt by PHO laboratory
416-586-4800 extension 4432
NO
○ Specimens should be stored, transported to the UHN/SH Microbiology Lab at room temp (20-25˚C) for up to 24h. If a longer delay is expected, store specimen at refrigeration temp (2-8˚C).
○ UHN/SH Microbiology Lab will refer the original positive specimen to the PHOL for testing upon request
* Hepatitis C DNA testing will be done in house on samples from living or cadaveric donors. All other testing will be referred to the PHOL for testing
○ UHN/SH Microbiology Lab will refer the original positive specimen to the PHOL for testing upon request
* Hepatitis C DNA testing will be done in house on samples from living or cadaveric donors. All other testing will be referred to the PHOL for testing