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Hepatitis C Virus Genotype by Sequencing
Ordering Recommendation
Assay does not differentiate between type 1a and 1b, or between rare type 6 and type 1. Do not order prior to molecular confirmation of positive hepatitis C (HCV) screen.
New York DOH Approval Status
Specimen Required
Lavender (EDTA), pink (K2EDTA), plasma preparation tube (PPT) or serum separator tube (SST).
Separate from cells ASAP or within 24 hours of collection. Transfer 2 mL serum or plasma to an ARUP standard transport tube. (Min: 0.5 mL)
Frozen.
Heparinized specimens.
Please submit most recent viral load and test date, if available.
Ambient: Unacceptable; Refrigerated: 72 hours; Frozen: 4 months.
Methodology
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)/Sequencing
Performed
Sun-Sat
Reported
3-5 days
Reference Interval
By report
Interpretive Data
Hepatitis C viral RNA is tested using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to amplify a specific portion of the 5' untranslated region (5' UTR) of the viral genome. The amplified nucleic acid is sequenced bidirectionally using dye-terminator chemistry (ABI). Sequencing data is compared to a database of characterized sequences.
Isolates of hepatitis C virus are grouped into six major genotypes (1-6). These genotypes are subtyped according to sequence characteristics. Due to high conservation of the 5' untranslated region of the HCV genome, this test has limitations in differentiating subtype 1a from 1b. Therefore, these subtypes will be reported as "1a or 1b." In rare instances, type 6 virus may be misclassified as type 1.
Laboratory Developed Test (LDT)
Note
This test may be unsuccessful if the HCV RNA viral load is less than log 3.6 or 4000 IU/mL.
Hotline History
CPT Codes
87902
Components
| Component Test Code* | Component Chart Name | LOINC |
|---|---|---|
| 0055593 | HCV Genotype by Sequencing | 92731-9 |
Aliases
- HCV 5'UTR Sequencing
- HCV Genotype
- HCV, Subtype
- HCV Genotyping
- HCV Sequencing
- HCV 5'UTR Genotype
