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HelpOrder Code HCVL Hepatitis C Virus Antibody Confirmation, Serum
Useful For
Confirming the presence of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-specific IgG antibodies in serum specimens that are reactive by HCV antibody screening tests
Distinguishing between true- and false-reactive HCV antibody screening test results
This test is not intended for use as an HCV antibody screening test for blood or human cells/tissue donors.
This assay is not useful for detection of early or acute hepatitis C (<2 months from exposure) as immunocompromised patients may not develop detectable HCV antibodies in blood until 6 months after infection.
This assay is not useful for differentiating between past (resolved) and chronic hepatitis C.
Testing Algorithm
This test is available as a confirmatory test for reactive Hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody screening test results.
For more information see Hepatitis C: Testing Algorithm for Screening and Diagnosis
Special Instructions
Reporting Name
HCV Ab Confirmation, SSpecimen Type
SerumOrdering Guidance
This test does not differentiate between past (resolved) and chronic hepatitis C. To distinguish between past (resolved) and chronic hepatitis C, order HCVQN / Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) RNA Detection and Quantification by Real-Time Reverse Transcription-PCR (RT-PCR), Serum.
For screening of asymptomatic individuals for HCV, order HCSRN / Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Antibody Screen with Reflex to HCV RNA, PCR, Asymptomatic, Serum.
For detection of HCV in symptomatic at-risk individuals, order HCVDX / Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Antibody with Reflex to HCV RNA, PCR, Symptomatic, Serum.
Necessary Information
Date of collection is required.
Specimen Required
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 0.4 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.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.1 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Serum | Frozen (preferred) | 30 days |
| Refrigerated | 7 days |
Reject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | Reject |
| Gross lipemia | OK |
| Gross icterus | OK |
Reference Values
Negative
Method Description
The MP Diagnostics Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Blot 3.0 is a line immunoassay that utilizes a nitrocellulose strip containing 4 bands corresponding to recombinant HCV proteins derived from the capsid (C), NS3, NS4, and NS5 regions of the HCV genome. The HCV proteins are expressed as glutathione-S-transferase (GST) fusion proteins, so a GST control band is also present on each strip to indicate reactivity to native GST. Each strip also contains an IgG control band and an anti-IgG band. Individual strips are incubated with either diluted clinical serum specimens or assay controls. Specific antibodies to HCV, if present in the specimen, will bind to the HCV proteins on the strips. The strips are washed to remove unbound materials and then incubated with affinity purified antihuman IgG conjugated with alkaline phosphatase. The conjugated antibody will bind to any antigen-antibody complexes formed on the strips. Unbound conjugate is removed by washing. A BCIP/NBT (5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl-phosphate/nitro blue tetrazolium) substrate is added to visualize reactive protein bands on the strips.(Unpublished Mayo method)
Day(s) Performed
Tuesday
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
CPT Code Information
86804
Method Name
Line Immunoassay (LIA)
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