MIDL PCR Hepatitis C Virus Qt (HCQ)
Department: Molecular Infectious Disease
Test Synonym(s): LAB1834, HCQ, HCV RNA quant, HCV Quantitative, Hepatitis C Virus Quantitative
CPT Codes: 87522
Methodology: PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
Reference Range: No HCV RNA detected; limits of detection: 15 - 100,000,000 IU/mL RNA HCV DNA
Tube Type: Plasma Preparation Tube (PPT) or 4 mL Serum (red) Vacutainer
Specimen: EDTA Plasma (PPT) or Serum (Red top)
Alternate Specimen: Need Medical Director approval
Pediatric Requirements: 2 mL EDTA plasma or Serum
Volume: 4 mL EDTA plasma or Serum
Minimum Volume: 2 mL EDTA plasma or Serum
Temperature: Blood: Room temperature (15-25 C)-up to 24 hours; Plasma/Serum: Refrigerated (2-8 C)-up to 6 days
Stability: Blood: Room temperature (15-25 C)-up to 24 hours; Plasma/Serum: Refrigerated (2-8 C)-up to 6 days
Reasons for Rejection: Alternative specimen sent without Medical Director approval
Days Performed: Monday-Friday
Times Performed: Once per day Monday-Friday (batched)
TAT: 48 hours
Significance: It is necessary to quantitate HCV RNA once a patient has been diagnosed with an HCV infection to provide base-line levels prior to starting drug therapy. HCV can be treated with interferon-a alone or in combination with ribavirin. The amount of HCV RNA in the plasma (viral load) correlates to the response to therapy and the stage of HCV infection. HCV quantification will track levels to monitor the response to drug therapy. With successful drug therapy the viral load decreases and in some patients reaches undetectable levels. Nucleic acid techniques are currently the only reliable laboratory test for HCV quantitation in clinical specimens.
Special Instructions:
Click here to print the Molecular Diagnostics requisition.
Search Help
Search Options for the Test Directory:
1. Enter the test name in the Keyword search field.
Hint: You can also enter any part of the test name to expand the search.
(Example: you can type "west" or "sed" or "rate" to find Westergren Sedimentation Rate)
2. Enter the Vanderbilt Test Code, if known.
3. Choose one of the letter boxes to display a list of all test names and keywords starting with that letter.
If you are unable to find a test in our directory, please contact VPLS at
1-800-551-5227 or e-mail emily.k.thompson@vumc.org.