Test Name

HEPATITIS C PCR (QUALITATIVE)

Aliases

HCV RNA QUALITATIVE PCR

Abbreviations

-

Test Classification

INDIVIDUAL

Department

MOLECULAR PATHOLOGY

Sub Department

INFECTIOUS

TAT Category

ELAPSED (CONTINUOUS) TIME

Estimated TAT

6

TAT Units

DAYS

Test Requirements

Sample type: Variable e.g. EDTA plasma/ serum. Container/ preservative: EDTA plasma in separation vial, EDTA whole blood in plasma separation tube (PST), serum separator tube (SST). Sample volume: 5 mL EDTA whole blood or 2 ml EDTA plasma/ serum. NB: Order MUST be clarified if the doctor simply states HCV PCR i.e. clarification on whether qualitative PCR should be done (used for DIAGNOSIS; code MP2315) or whether quantitative PCR/ viral load should be done (used for TREATMENT MONITORING where diagnosis is ALREADY established; code MP2314). SHIPPING/ TRANSPORTATION REQUIREMENTS Shipping Temperature: Refrigerated ANALYTE STABILITY Room Temperature: 7 days at 20-25°C │ Refrigerated: 1 month at 2-8°C │ Frozen: 1 month at -20°C

Clinical Utility

To DIAGNOSE active or chronic hepatitis c virus (HCV) infection. It is NOT intended for treatment response monitoring.

Last Review

26th Feb 2026