Hepatitis C Antibody with Reflex to HCV, RNA, Quantitative, Real-Time PCR

CPT Code: 86803
Order Code:  1376
ABN Requirement:  No
Synonyms: HCV with Reflex; HCV Antibody; Anti HCV
Specimen: Serum or EDTA Plasma
Volume:  4.0 mL
Minimum Volume:  3.0 mL
Container: Gel-barrier tube (SST, Tiger Top) or EDTA (Lavender Top) tube

Collection:

Serum

  1. Collect and label sample according to standard protocols.
  2. Gently invert tube 5 times immediately after draw. DO NOT SHAKE.
  3. Let tube stand in a vertical position to allow blood to clot 30 minutes.
  4. Centrifuge for 10 minutes.

EDTA Plasma

  1. Draw and gently invert 8 to 10 times.
  2. Centrifuge for 10 minutes.
  3. Pre-squeeze transfer pipet bulb and draw off approximately 2/3 of the upper plasma layer.
    Note: This ensures that the buffy coat and red cells remain undisturbed.
  4. Aliquot plasma into labeled transport tube labeled as “EDTA plasma” and cap tightly. Discard original tube.
  5. Store transport tube refrigerated at 2-8°C until ready to ship.

Transport: Store serum or EDTA plasma at 2°C to 8°C after collection and ship the same day per packaging instructions provided with the Cleveland HeartLab shipping box.

Stability:

Ambient (15-25°C): 72 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C): 14 days
Frozen (-20°C): 30 days
Deep Frozen (-70°C): 30 days

Causes for Rejection: Specimens other than serum or EDTA plasma; improper labeling; samples not stored properly; samples older than stability limits; moderate hemolysis; gross lipemia

Methodology: Immunoassay (IA)

Turn Around Time: 2-3 days

Reference Range: 

 Test Normal Range
Hepatitis C Antibody Non-Reactive
Signal to Cut-off <1.00

Clinical Significance: Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is a major cause of hepatitis. The clinical symptoms of an HCV infection are variable. Infection with HCV results in a chromic infection in 50 to 80% of cases. The “window” between HCV acquisition and seroreactivity is highly variable; up to six months. If Hepatitis C Antibody is reactive, then Hepatitis C Viral RNA, Quantitative, Real-Time PCR will be performed at an additional charge (CPT 87522).

Limitations: Results obtained from immunosuppressed patients should be interpreted with caution. Patients receiving mouse antibody therapy may produce false-negative results.

The CPT codes provided are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payer being billed.