Hepatitis C Antigen
Clinical Background:
This is an assay used to detect hepatitis C virus antigen. It is automatically tested by the laboratory in all new hepatitis C virus antibody positive samples. Detection of HCV antigen indicates ac...
This is an assay used to detect hepatitis C virus antigen. It is automatically tested by the laboratory in all new hepatitis C virus antibody positive samples. Detection of HCV antigen indicates active infection. The antigen test is less sensitive than PCR, but will detect virus down to the equivalent of 1000 copies/ml.
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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Quality Assurance:
UK National External Quality Assurance Scheme (UKNEQAS)
UK National External Quality Assurance Scheme (UKNEQAS)
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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