Hepatitis C Viral Load
HCV Viral Load, Hep C RNA, Hep C PCR
2x 6mL EDTA
PLBOP; Referral
HCVL
Referral to Waikato Hospital Laboratory
Process inhouse Microbiology
Process in PLBOP Microbiology
Process in PLBOP Microbiology
Process in PLBOP Microbiology
SST
Inhouse testing: EDTA Plasma (ideally 2 x 6ml tube but 1 is acceptable) preferred but Serum also acceptable. After centrifugation plasma and serum may be held at 15-35C for 24 hours or at 2-8C for 3 days (72 hours) prior to testing. During long weekend(more than 72hr) like Easter they should be frozen. Plasma and serum specimens are stable frozen (-70 to -18C) for 6 weeks. Plasma and serum specimens are stable for up to 3 freeze/thaw cycles.
Waikato Hospital Labroatory
Requires dedicated blood tubes - EDTA plasma preferred or serum. Spin sample down and 3/4 fill screw top nunc tubes with plasma and freeze within 24 hours of receipt. Use multiple nunc tubes as required. Specimens separated into thin-walled plastic tubes are unacceptable.
1 mL Plasma/ Serum
Frozen