HCV Antibody

Test ID: 

706155

CPT code:

86803

Synonyms:

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Antibody

Clinical Use:

Assess exposure to hepatitis C virus infection; test blood safety

Test Information:

Since as many as 90% of commercial intravenous immunoglobulins test positive for hepatitis C antibody, an artifactual positive can result briefly after transfusion.
Following the development of sensitive and specific testing for hepatitis B, 90% of post-transfusion hepatitis is now hepatitis C. A gene product (c100) of hepatitis C virus (HCV) was isolated and an assay for anti-HCV developed. The assay detects antibody to a presumptive togavirus or flavivirus which may be an etiologic agent of non-A, non-B hepatitis (which may not be a unitary disease entity).
For blood donors, hepatitis C serology correlates with surrogate tests for non-A, non-B hepatitis (ALT and anti-HBc). Since hepatitis C serology identifies a broader group of infected individuals than surrogate testing, it reduces risk of HCV during transfusion. Studies in hemophiliacs indicate that antibody to HCV is a reliable marker of HCV.

Specimen Type:

Serum or plasma

Requested Volume: 

1 mL

Container Type: 

Red-top tube, gel-barrier tube, or lavender-top (EDTA) tube

Patient Preparation: 

This test may exhibit interference when sample is collected from a person who is consuming a supplement with a high dose of biotin (also termed as vitamin B7 or B8, vitamin H, or coenzyme R). It is recommended to ask all patients who may be indicated for this test about biotin supplementation. Patients should be cautioned to stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours prior to the collection of a sample.

Collection:

If tube other than a gel-barrier tube is used, transfer separated serum or plasma to a plastic transport tube.

Storage Instructions:

Room temperature

Stability Requirements:

Rejection Criteria

Non-EDTA plasma specimen; PST gel-barrier tube