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Interpretive Handbook

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Test 81130:
Hepatitis C Virus RNA Quantification by bDNA, Serum

Clinical Information Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and general clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the most common cause of viral hepatitis in the western hemisphere. In the United States, approximately 2.7 million people are estimated to have chronic HCV infection, which may progress to cirrhosis and, in some patients, hepatocellular carcinoma.

 

In patients with chronic HCV infection, a favorable response to interferon-alpha and ribavirin combination therapy is associated with low pretreatment (ie, baseline) serum or plasma HCV RNA levels, absence of cirrhosis or significant fibrosis, and HCV genotype 2 or 3. Recent clinical trial studies suggested that responders to anti-HCV therapy have a more rapid fall in serum HCV RNA levels (>2 log decrease from baseline level) by the fourth week of treatment (rapid virologic response) than nonresponders. Serum or plasma HCV RNA level at 12 weeks of therapy (early virologic response) is also useful for predicting sustained virologic response to treatment.

Useful For Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful

Quantification of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA levels in serum of patients with confirmed chronic HCV infection (known to have detectable HCV RNA in serum)

 

Monitoring progression of chronic HCV infection and responses to anti-HCV therapy

Interpretation Provides information to assist in interpretation of the test results

This assay has a quantification range of 615 to 7,690,000 IU/mL (2.79-6.89 log IU/mL). Results are reported as integers in IU/mL (rounded to 3 significant figures) and log IU/mL.

 

A result of <615 IU/mL indicates that either the specimen contains no detectable hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA or the HCV RNA level is below the lower limit of quantification for this assay.

 

A result of >7,690,000 IU/mL indicates that the HCV RNA level is above the upper limit of quantification for this assay.

Cautions Discusses conditions that may cause diagnostic confusion, including improper specimen collection and handling, inappropriate test selection, and interfering substances

Due to the potential for false-positive results, this assay should not be used for initial detection of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA in patients with suspected acute or chronic HCV infection. It should be used to quantify HCV RNA in patients who have been found to be positive by a more sensitive HCV RNA detection or quantification assay.

 

A result of <615 IU/mL (<2.79 log IU/mL) does not rule out the presence of HCV RNA in the specimen.

Reference Values Describes reference intervals and additional information for interpretation of test results. May include intervals based on age and sex when appropriate. Intervals are Mayo-derived, unless otherwise designated. If an interpretive report is provided, the reference value field will state this.

<615 IU/mL

Clinical References Provides recommendations for further in-depth reading of a clinical nature

1. Pawlotsky JM: Use and interpretation of hepatitis C virus diagnostic assays. Clin Liver Dis 2003;7:127-137

2. Strader DB, Wright T, Thomas DL, Seeff, LB: Diagnosis, management and treatment of hepatitis C. Hepatology 2004;39:1147-1171

3. Chevaliez S, Pawlotsky JM: Use of virologic assays in the diagnosis and management of hepatitis C virus infection. Clin Liver Dis 2005;9(3):371-382