Test Catalog

Test Id : HCVDX

Order This Test

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Antibody with Reflex to HCV RNA, PCR, Symptomatic, Serum

Download
Overview

Test Catalog

Useful For
Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful

Diagnosis of recent or chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in symptomatic patients

 

This test is not offered as a screening or confirmatory test for HCV for blood, human cells, or tissue donors

 

This test profile is not useful for detection or diagnosis of acute HCV since HCV antibodies may not be detectable until after 2 months following exposure and HCV RNA testing is not performed on specimens with negative anti-HCV screening test results.

Highlights

This diagnostic test is indicated for testing symptomatic individuals that may or may not have risk factors for a hepatitis C virus infection.

Reflex Tests
Lists tests that may or may not be performed, at an additional charge, depending on the result and interpretation of the initial tests.

Test Id Reporting Name Available Separately Always Performed
HCVQN HCV RNA Detect/Quant, S Yes No

Testing Algorithm
Delineates situations when tests are added to the initial order. This includes reflex and additional tests.

If hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody screen is reactive, then HCV RNA by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction will be performed at an additional charge.

 

For more information see Hepatitis C: Testing Algorithm for Screening and Diagnosis.

Special Instructions
Library of PDFs including pertinent information and forms related to the test

Method Name
A short description of the method used to perform the test

Chemiluminescence Immunoassay (CIA)

NY State Available
Indicates the status of NY State approval and if the test is orderable for NY State clients.

Yes

Reporting Name
Lists a shorter or abbreviated version of the Published Name for a test

HCV Ab w/Reflex to HCV PCR, S

Aliases
Lists additional common names for a test, as an aid in searching

Anti-HCV (Hepatitis C Virus)

HCV (Hepatitis C Virus) Antibody

HCV Antibody

Hepatitis C

Non-A, Non-B Hepatitis

Hepatitis C Ab

Testing Algorithm
Delineates situations when tests are added to the initial order. This includes reflex and additional tests.

If hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody screen is reactive, then HCV RNA by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction will be performed at an additional charge.

 

For more information see Hepatitis C: Testing Algorithm for Screening and Diagnosis.

Specimen Type
Describes the specimen type validated for testing

Serum SST

Ordering Guidance

This test is not intended for testing asymptomatic individuals (ie, screening purposes). For testing such patients with or without risk factors for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, order HCSRN / Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Antibody Screen with Reflex to HCV RNA, PCR, Asymptomatic, Serum.

 

For testing autopsy/cadaver or hemolyzed specimens, order HCCAD / Hepatitis C Virus Antibody Screen for Cadaveric or Hemolyzed Specimens, Asymptomatic, Serum for asymptomatic individuals or HCCDD / Hepatitis C Virus Antibody in Cadaveric or Hemolyzed Specimens, Symptomatic, Serum for symptomatic individuals.

 

For patients with acute or recent HCV infections (<3 months from time of exposure) or are repeatedly reactive by screening tests and should be confirmed by a more HCV-specific test, order HCVQN / Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) RNA Detection and Quantification by Real-Time Reverse Transcription-PCR (RT-PCR), Serum.

Shipping Instructions

If shipment will be delayed for more than24 hours, freeze serum at -70 degrees C until shipment on dry ice.

Necessary Information

Date of collection is required.

Specimen Required
Defines the optimal specimen required to perform the test and the preferred volume to complete testing

Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)

Collection Container/Tube: Serum gel

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Specimen Volume: 2 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Centrifuge blood collection tube per collection tube manufacturer's instructions (eg, centrifuge and aliquot within 2 hours of collection for BD Vacutainer tubes).

2. Aliquot serum into plastic vial.

Special Instructions
Library of PDFs including pertinent information and forms related to the test

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send 1 of the following:

-Gastroenterology and Hepatology Client Test Request (T728)

-Infectious Disease Serology Test Request (T916)

Specimen Minimum Volume
Defines the amount of sample necessary to provide a clinically relevant result as determined by the testing laboratory. The minimum volume is sufficient for one attempt at testing.

1 mL

Reject Due To
Identifies specimen types and conditions that may cause the specimen to be rejected

Gross hemolysis Reject
Gross lipemia Reject
Gross icterus Reject

Specimen Stability Information
Provides a description of the temperatures required to transport a specimen to the performing laboratory, alternate acceptable temperatures are also included

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Serum SST Frozen (preferred) 28 days
Refrigerated 5 days

Useful For
Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful

Diagnosis of recent or chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in symptomatic patients

 

This test is not offered as a screening or confirmatory test for HCV for blood, human cells, or tissue donors

 

This test profile is not useful for detection or diagnosis of acute HCV since HCV antibodies may not be detectable until after 2 months following exposure and HCV RNA testing is not performed on specimens with negative anti-HCV screening test results.

Testing Algorithm
Delineates situations when tests are added to the initial order. This includes reflex and additional tests.

If hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody screen is reactive, then HCV RNA by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction will be performed at an additional charge.

 

For more information see Hepatitis C: Testing Algorithm for Screening and Diagnosis.

Clinical Information
Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and general clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is recognized as the cause of most cases of posttransfusion hepatitis and is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In the United States, HCV infection is quite common, with an estimated 2.4 million chronic HCV carriers.

 

Laboratory testing for HCV infection usually begins by screening for the presence of HCV antibodies in serum, using an US Food and Drug Administration -approved screening test. Specimens that are repeatedly reactive by screening tests should be confirmed with HCV tests with higher specificity, such as direct detection of HCV RNA by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction or HCV-specific antibody confirmatory tests.

 

HCV antibodies are usually not detectable during the first 2 months following infection, but they are usually detectable by the late convalescent stage (>6 months after onset) of infection. These antibodies do not neutralize the virus and they do not provide immunity against this viral infection. Decrease in the HCV antibody level in serum may occur after resolution of infection.

 

Current screening serologic tests to detect antibodies to HCV include enzyme immunoassay and chemiluminescence immunoassay. Despite the value of serologic tests to screen for HCV infection, several limitations of serologic testing exist:

-There may be a long delay (up to 6 months) between exposure to the virus and the development of a detectable HCV antibody

-False-reactive screening test result can occur

-A reactive screening test result does not distinguish between past (resolved) and present HCV infection

-Serologic tests cannot provide information on clinical response to anti-HCV therapy

 

Reactive screening test results should be followed by a supplemental or confirmatory test, such as nucleic acid test for HCV RNA or HCV antibody confirmatory test. Nucleic acid tests provide a very sensitive and specific approach for the direct detection of HCV RNA.

 

For more information see Hepatitis C: Testing Algorithm for Screening and Diagnosis.

Reference Values
Describes reference intervals and additional information for interpretation of test results. May include intervals based on age and sex when appropriate. Intervals are Mayo-derived, unless otherwise designated. If an interpretive report is provided, the reference value field will state this.

Negative

For more information see Viral Hepatitis Serologic Profiles

Interpretation
Provides information to assist in interpretation of the test results

Reactive hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody screening results with signal-to-cutoff (S/Co) ratios of below 8.0 are not predictive of the true HCV antibody status. Additional testing is recommended to confirm anti-HCV status.

 

Reactive results with S/Co ratios of 8.0 or greater are highly predictive (95% or greater probability) of the true anti-HCV status, but additional testing is needed to differentiate between past (resolved) and chronic hepatitis C.

 

A negative screening test result does not exclude the possibility of exposure to or infection with HCV. Negative screening test results in individuals with prior exposure to HCV may be due to low antibody levels that are below the limit of detection of this assay or lack of reactivity to the HCV antigens used in this assay. Patients with acute or recent HCV infections (<3 months from time of exposure) may have false-negative HCV antibody results due to the time needed for seroconversion (average of 8 to 9 weeks). Testing for HCV RNA using HCVQN / Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) RNA Detection and Quantification by Real-Time Reverse Transcription-PCR (RT-PCR), Serum is recommended for detection of HCV infection in such patients.

Cautions
Discusses conditions that may cause diagnostic confusion, including improper specimen collection and handling, inappropriate test selection, and interfering substances

A single negative hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA test result together with a reactive HCV antibody screen result with a signal-to-cutoff ratio of 8.0 or greater does not rule out the possibility of chronic HCV infection. Repeat testing for HCV RNA in 1 to 2 months is recommended in patient at risk for chronic hepatitis C.

 

Infants born to HCV-infected mothers may have false-reactive HCV antibody test results due to transplacental passage of maternal HCV IgG antibodies. HCV antibody testing is not recommended until at least 18 months of age in these infants.

 

Performance characteristics have not been established for the following types of serum specimen:

-Individuals under 10 years of age

-Grossly icteric (total bilirubin level of >20 mg/dL)

-Grossly lipemic (triolein level of >3000 mg/dL)

-Grossly hemolyzed (hemoglobin level of >500 mg/dL)

-Presence of particulate matter

-Cadaveric specimens

Clinical Reference
Recommendations for in-depth reading of a clinical nature

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Testing for HCV infection: an update of guidance for clinicians and laboratorians. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2013 May 10;62(18):362-365

2. American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases and Infectious Diseases Society of America: HCV guidance: Recommendations for testing, managing, and treating hepatitis C. Accessed September 9, 2022. Available at www.hcvguidelines.org/contents

Special Instructions
Library of PDFs including pertinent information and forms related to the test

Method Description
Describes how the test is performed and provides a method-specific reference

The VITROS anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) assay is an immunometric technique involving a 2-stage reaction. In the first stage, HCV antibody present in the sample binds to HCV recombinant antigens coated on the reaction wells, and unbound sample is removed by washing. In the second stage, horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-labeled antibody conjugate (mouse monoclonal antihuman IgG) binds to human IgG captured on the well in the first stage. Unbound conjugate is removed by washing. A reagent containing luminogenic substrates (a luminal derivative and a peracid salt) and an electron transfer agent are added to the wells. The HRP in the bound conjugate catalyzes the oxidation of the luminal derivative, producing light. The electron transfer agent increases the level and duration of the light produced. The emitted light signals are detected and measured. The amount of HRP conjugate bound is directly proportional to the level of anti-HCV antibodies present in a given sample.(Ismail N, Fish GE, Smith MB: Laboratory evaluation of a fully automated chemiluminescence immunoassay for rapid detection of HBsAg, antibodies to HBsAg, and antibodies to hepatitis C virus. J Clin Microbiol. 2004;42:610-617; package insert: VITROS Anti-HCV Assay, no. GEM 1243. Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, Inc; V 14.1, 09/06/2019)

PDF Report
Indicates whether the report includes an additional document with charts, images or other enriched information

No

Day(s) Performed
Outlines the days the test is performed. This field reflects the day that the sample must be in the testing laboratory to begin the testing process and includes any specimen preparation and processing time before the test is performed. Some tests are listed as continuously performed, which means that assays are performed multiple times during the day.

Monday through Saturday

Report Available
The interval of time (receipt of sample at Mayo Clinic Laboratories to results available) taking into account standard setup days and weekends. The first day is the time that it typically takes for a result to be available. The last day is the time it might take, accounting for any necessary repeated testing.

Same day/1 to 2 days

Specimen Retention Time
Outlines the length of time after testing that a specimen is kept in the laboratory before it is discarded

14 days

Performing Laboratory Location
Indicates the location of the laboratory that performs the test

Rochester

Fees
Several factors determine the fee charged to perform a test. Contact your U.S. or International Regional Manager for information about establishing a fee schedule or to learn more about resources to optimize test selection.

  • Authorized users can sign in to Test Prices for detailed fee information.
  • Clients without access to Test Prices can contact Customer Service 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
  • Prospective clients should contact their account representative. For assistance, contact Customer Service.

Test Classification
Provides information regarding the medical device classification for laboratory test kits and reagents. Tests may be classified as cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and used per manufacturer instructions, or as products that do not undergo full FDA review and approval, and are then labeled as an Analyte Specific Reagent (ASR) product.

This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.

CPT Code Information
Provides guidance in determining the appropriate Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code(s) information for each test or profile. The listed CPT codes reflect Mayo Clinic Laboratories interpretation of CPT coding requirements. It is the responsibility of each laboratory to determine correct CPT codes to use for billing.

CPT codes are provided by the performing laboratory.

86803

87522 (if appropriate)

LOINC® Information
Provides guidance in determining the Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes (LOINC) values for the order and results codes of this test. LOINC values are provided by the performing laboratory.

Test Id Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
HCVDX HCV Ab w/Reflex to HCV PCR, S 40726-2
Result Id Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
Applies only to results expressed in units of measure originally reported by the performing laboratory. These values do not apply to results that are converted to other units of measure.
HCVA4 HCV Ab, S 40726-2

Test Setup Resources

Setup Files
Test setup information contains test file definition details to support order and result interfacing between Mayo Clinic Laboratories and your Laboratory Information System.

Excel | Pdf

Sample Reports
Normal and Abnormal sample reports are provided as references for report appearance.

Normal Reports | Abnormal Reports

SI Sample Reports
International System (SI) of Unit reports are provided for a limited number of tests. These reports are intended for international account use and are only available through MayoLINK accounts that have been defined to receive them.

SI Normal Reports | SI Abnormal Reports