Hepatitis C Antibody
Clinical Background:
Screening test for hepatitis C virus infection. This is a serological assay used to detect IgG antibodies to hepatitis C virus (HCV). HCV antibodies may take up to 3 months to develope after infect...
Screening test for hepatitis C virus infection. This is a serological assay used to detect IgG antibodies to hepatitis C virus (HCV). HCV antibodies may take up to 3 months to develope after infection, so repeat testing is required if the patient has potential recent exposure. The test does not differntiate active viral infection from past, cleared infection. For this antigen or PCR testing is required.
Test Details
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Discipline:
Microbiology
Microbiology
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Specimen Container Adult:
Clotted blood - Gold SST
Clotted blood - Gold SST
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Specimen Container Paediatric:
Clotted blood
Clotted blood
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Minimum Volume Adult:
5 ml
5 ml
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Minimum Volume Paediatric:
1 ml
1 ml
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Special Requirement:
Send to laboratory as quickly as possible. If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C
Send to laboratory as quickly as possible. If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C
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Sample Stability:
Stable for up to 24 hours
Stable for up to 24 hours
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Transport Requirements:
Standard
Standard
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Add On Test:
Possible up to 5 days
Possible up to 5 days
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Quality Assurance:
UK National External Quality Assurance Scheme (UKNEQAS)
UK National External Quality Assurance Scheme (UKNEQAS)
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Interpretation:
May be negative for up to 3 months following infection (window period), and in symptomatic acute hepatitis C virus infection.
May be negative for up to 3 months following infection (window period), and in symptomatic acute hepatitis C virus infection.
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Reference Ranges:
None available
None available
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Factors Affecting Result:
If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C
If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C