Hepatitis C Antibody
HCV Ab
Testing Information
Sample Type
Serum
Test Codes
650350
CPT Code
86803
Testing Area
Core Lab - Chemistry
Test Methodology
Abbott Alinity - Chemiluminescence Immunoassay
Reference Range
Negative/Non-reactive
Expected Turnaround Time
Results Available 24 hours from Receipt
Specimen Collection Criteria
Collect one gold top SST tube (minimum whole blood: 4 mL). Let specimen clot for 30-60 minutes and then centrifuge to separate serum from cells. Refrigerate after centrifugation.
Rejection Criteria
Grossly hemolyzed specimens, quantity not sufficient, grossly lipemic specimens, improperly labeled
Specimen Validity and Retention
Centrifuged SST Tubes:Room Temperature (20-25°C): 2-4 hoursRefrigerated (2-8°C): 7 DaysFrozen (-20°C or greater): UnacceptableSerum Aliquots:Room Temperature (20-25°C): 2-4 hoursRefrigerated (2-8°C): 7 daysFrozen (-20°C or greater): 7 daysSpecimens retained for 7 days after testing
Courier Transportation
Transport centrifuged tube refrigerated (2-8°C)
Clinical Utility
Hepatitis C Antibody provides information regarding chronic Hepatitis C viral infections. This assay should not be used to detect acute Hepatitis C infection because seroconversion typically occurs 8-16 weeks post-exposure.
Special Notes
Hepatitis C is a reportable infection. Positive/reactive results will be communicated to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
