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| Test Description |
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Test Name
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Hepatitis C Virus PCR, quantitative |
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Synonym(s)
|
HCV PCR, quantitative |
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Description
|
PCR assay to quantify viral load of Hepatitis C in order to plan and monitor treatment. Detection limit: 50 IU/mL. |
|
Methodology
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Reverse Transcriptase - Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction |
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Performed
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Weekly |
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Turnaround Time
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1-5 days |
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Specimen Requirements
|
1 mL ACD plasma (EDTA acceptable) or 1 mL serum. Plasma is preferred. Specimens collected in heparin are unacceptable. Specimen must be spun within 3 hours of collection to remove plasma/serum from the cells. Specimen may be stored at 2-8°C for up to 5 days, -20°C for 72 hours or -80°C indefinitely. Send specimen frozen and on dry ice.
|
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Rejection Criteria
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Specimens collected in heparin. Plasma/serum left on cells for >3 hours. |
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CPT Code(s)
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87522 |
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Reference Range
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See interpretive report. |
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Contact
|
Molecular Diagnostics Lab (214) 645-7075
Customer Service (214) 645-7057 or Toll Free (877) 887-8136
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Last Modified: July 7, 2008 |
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