Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
This is an assay to determine genotype of HCV Used in patients newly diagnosed with hepatitis C virus infection prior to treatment. Genotype influences treatment as different viral genotypes have different susceptibility to available antiviral drugs.
Specimen container paediatric:
EDTA blood or clotted, serum or plasma.
Specimen container adult:
EDTA blood or clotted, serum or plasma.
Minimum volume paediatric:
5ml blood
1ml serum or plasma
Minimum volume adult:
5ml blood
1ml serum or plasma
Special requirements:
Send to laboratory as quickly as possible. If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C. Sample needs to be centrifuged within 24 hours of collection
Sample stability:
Blood should be centrifuged within 24 hours of collection. Once separated, serum/plasma is stable for up to 6 days at 2-8 deg C until frozen.
Transport requirements:
Standard
Add on test:
Possible up to 28 days
Quality assurance:
UK National External Quality Assurance Scheme (UKNEQAS), QCMD
Interpretation:
N/A
Reference ranges:
N/A
Factors affecting result:
Blood should be centrifuged within 24 hours of collection. Once separated, serum/plasma is stable for up to 6 days at 2-8 deg C.
Referenced Documents:
Standards of Microbiology Investigations (SMI V 5)
Other info:
N/A