Clinical background:
This is a PCR assay used to detect hepatitis A virus (HAV) RNA. It is occasionally used by laboratory staff to help confirm hepatitis A infection. It can be useful in immunocompromised patients with suspected hepatitis A virus infection who may not produce detectable IgM.
Specimen container paediatric:
EDTA blood or clotted, serum or plasma, other sample types can be tested after discussion with Virologists.
Specimen container adult:
EDTA blood or clotted, serum or plasma, other sample types can be tested after discussion with Virologists.
Minimum volume paediatric:
1ml blood
300ul serum or plasma
Minimum volume adult:
5ml blood
300ul serum or plasma
Special requirements:
Send to laboratory as quickly as possible. If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C.
Sample stability:
Stable for up to 24 hrs.
Transport requirements:
Standard
Add on test:
Possible up to 5 days.
Quality assurance:
Sample referred to Reference Laboratory.
Interpretation:
Interpretative comments are added to reports where applicable
Reference ranges:
None available
Factors affecting result:
If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C.
Referenced Documents:
Standards of Microbiology Investigations (SMI V 27)
Other info:
Referred to UKHSA, Colindale, London.