Hepatitis C Virus

TEST NAME Hepatitis C Virus by EIA
DISEASE/DISORDER Hepatitis C
ALTERNATIVE NAME(S) Hep C, HCV
METHODOLOGY Abbott Anti-HCV Chemiluminescent Microparticle Immunoassay (CMIA) using the Abbott Architect
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS Testing not approved for patients < 18years of age.
ORDERING INFORMATION

PTBMIS:

Test Order Code:  HEPC

Test Order Description:  HCV EIA SCREEN

TDH DLS Requisition:  PH-4182 Clinical Submission Requisition Form

Specimen Requirements

Patient Preparation
  • Venipuncture
Specimen Collection
  • Acceptable Specimen Sources/Type(s) 

-  Whole blood in serum separator tube (SST)

-  Serum in sterile, plastic, screw capped vial
Specimen Labeling
  • Specimen should be labeled with at least two unique patient identifiers and match accompanying test order.
Specimen Processing
  • Follow the tube manufacture's processing instructions for collection tubes.
Specimen Storage and Preservation
  • Specimens may be stored on or off the clot, red blood cells, or separator gel for:

-  Up to 72 hours post collection at 2 - 30°C or

-  Up to seven (7) days at 2 - 8 °C

  • If testing will be delayed more than three (3) days for specimens stored at room temperature or more than seven (7) days for specimens stored at 2 - 8°C, aliquot serum and store at (-20)°C or colder.
  • Avoid three (3) or more freeze/thaw cycles.
Specimen Transportation
  • Ship specimens at 2-8°C on cold packs, if possible. Specimens may be shipped at 2-30°C if receipt at the laboratory will occur within 72 hours of collection.
  • Specimen must be placed in an individual biohazard bag with absorbent material and should be shipped to the laboratory on the day of collection. 
  • All infectious substance shipments must conform to U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR 49 C.F.R. Parts 171-180). 
Specimen Acceptability and Rejection
  • Serum specimens collected in serum separator tubes will be accepted. Aliquoted serum in screw cap vials is acceptable.
  • Specimens should arrive to the laboratory centrifuged. 
  • Specimens collected from patients <18 years of age will be rejected.
  • Grossly hemolyzed, lipemic, or microbially contaminated specimens will be rejected.
  • Specimens with clerical errors in the lab order or on the specimen tube will be rejected. 
  • Specimens broken in transit will be rejected. 
  • Specimens leaking in transit may be rejected after assessment of viability and contamination. 
  • Specimens with insufficient volumes of serum will be rejected. 
  • Specimens transported or stored at incorrect temperatures will be rejected. 
  • Specimens received after expiration of viability will be rejected.
Testing Location
  • Nashville
  • Knoxville

This Page Last Updated: April 11, 2024 at 11:38 AM