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hepatitis C virus RNA (HCV RNA)

Indications: - hepatitis C infection - all patients with positive hepatitis C serology [4] - presence of specific disorders [5] - non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, mixed cryoglobulinemia, porphyria cutanea tarda [5] Reference interval: - < 15 IU/mL* * quantitative range of ARUP is 15-100,000,000 IU/mL [3] Procedure: - reverse transriptase PCR Clinical significance: - viral clearance associated with reduced mortality [2] - patients with positive HCV serology but negative HCV RNA do not have hepatitis C infection [5] Specimen: 1) whole blood (ACD or EDTA) 2) liver 3) store body fluids at 4 degrees C 4) store tissue at -20 degrees C or below Notes: - conserved 5' non-coding region generally used.

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hepatitis C virus

General

infectious agent nucleic acid

References

  1. Clinical Guide to Laboratory Tests, 3rd ed. Teitz ed., W.B. Saunders, 1995
  2. van der Meer AJ et al Association between sustained virological response and all-cause mortality among patients with chronic hepatitis C and advanced hepatic fibrosis. JAMA 2012 Dec 26; 308:2584. PMID: 23268517
  3. Hepatitis C Virus by Quantitative PCR Laboratory Test Directory ARUP: 98268
  4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Testing for HCV Infection: An Update of Guidance for Clinicians and Laboratorians MMWR. May 7, 2013 http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm62e0507a2.htm - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Vital Signs: Evaluation of Hepatitis C Virus Infection Testing and Reporting - Eight U.S. Sites, 2005-2011 MMWR. May 7, 2013 http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm62e0507a1.htm
  5. Medical Knowledge Self Assessment Program (MKSAP) 17, American College of Physicians, Philadelphia 2015 - Medical Knowledge Self Assessment Program (MKSAP) 19 Board Basics. An Enhancement to MKSAP19. American College of Physicians, Philadelphia 2022