| Ordering Code | 5442R |
|---|---|
| Test Name | HCV Quant w/ Reflex to Genotype |
| Alias | Hepatitis C Virus Quantitative with Reflex to Hepatitis C Virus Genotype |
| Preferred Specimen | Serum |
| Preferred Container | SST (Gold) |
| Other Specimen/Container | Plasma in EDTA, K2 (Lavender), Serum in Plain (Red) |
| Optimum Volume | 6 mL |
| Collection Instructions | Draw 3 full SST tubes. |
| Handling Instructions | Separate serum from whole blood within 24 hours of collection. Use only polypropylene tubes for aliquot samples DO NOT thaw once serum/plasma is frozen. |
| Transport Requirements | Airline: Frozen |
| Specimen Stability | Refrigerated: 6 Days Frozen: 30 Days |
| Avail. Stat | NO |
| Analytic Time | Up to 7 Days for HCV Quant test; up to 4 days longer for additional testing. |
| Methodology | Real time PCR |
Reference range(s)
The reference ranges listed below are valid on this date of February 21, 2026.
| Component | Age | Male Norm | Male Critical Low | Male Critical High | Female Norm | Female Critical High | Female Critical Low | Units | Add'l info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HCV RNA, Quant | ALL | NOT DETECTED | NOT DETECTED | The linear... Note1 |
|||||
| HCV RNA | ALL | <15 | <15 | IU/mL | |||||
| HCV RNA | ALL | <1.2 | <1.2 | Log IU/mL |
Note1:
The linear range for the cobas (R) HCV quantitation for a 500 uL sample processing volume is from 15 IU/mL (lower limit) to 1.00E+08 IU/mL (upper limit). Accuracy is within +/-0.24 log10
EDTA plasma mirrors the lower limit of quantification (LLoQ) at 15 IU/mL for a 500 uL sample processing volume; however, the test will detect HCV below this LoD/LLoQ at a frequency lower than required by the FDA for labeling (<95%)
The limit of detection (LoD) of cobas (R) HCV was determined for
WHO International Standard (genotype 1a) and for genotype 1b through 6. The overall LoD was 12.0 IU/mL for EDTA plasma and 13.7 IU/mL for serum
Reliable results depend on proper sample collection, storage, and handling procedures. Quantitation of HCV RNA is dependent on the number of virus particles present in the samples and maybe affected by sample collection methods and other patient factors (i.e. age, symptoms, immune status, stage of infection, etc.)
.