Test Code HCVG Hepatitis C Virus Genotype, Serum
Additional Codes
CNE Order Code: HCV Geno
Reporting Name
HCV Genotype, SUseful For
Determining hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype (1 to 5) to guide antiviral therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C
Differentiating between HCV subtypes 1a and 1b
This assay should not be used as a screening test for HCV infection. It should be performed only on specimens obtained from patients confirmed to have HCV RNA levels in serum of 500 IU/mL or higher.
Testing Algorithm
Specimens generating indeterminate, genotype 1 without subtype, or mixed genotypes containing genotype 1 without subtype results will be automatically evaluated by genotype resolution at an additional charge.
The following algorithms are available:
-Chronic Hepatitis C Treatment and Monitoring Algorithm: Direct Antiviral Antigen (DAA) Combination
Performing Laboratory

Specimen Type
Serum SSTShipping Instructions
Ship specimen frozen on dry ice only. If shipment will be delayed for more than 3 days, freeze serum at -20° C or colder (up to 42 days) until shipment on dry ice.
Specimen Required
Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)
Collection Container/Tube: Serum gel (red-top tubes are not acceptable)
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 5 mL
Collection Instructions:
Within 2 hours of collection, centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Additional Information:
1. This test requires a minimum hepatitis C virus viral load of 500 IU/mL within the 30 days preceding collection.
2. Serum specimens previously submitted to other laboratories for non-microbiology tests are not acceptable for add-on test requests due to possible sample-to-sample carryover from automation used for those tests.
Specimen Minimum Volume
1.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
---|---|---|---|
Serum SST | Frozen (preferred) | 42 days | ALIQUOT TUBE |
Refrigerated | 72 hours | ALIQUOT TUBE |
Special Instructions
Reference Values
Undetected
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
CPT Code Information
87902
LOINC Code Information
Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
HCVG | HCV Genotype, S | 32286-7 |
Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
81618 | HCV Genotype, S | 32286-7 |
Interpretation
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotyping result |
Interpretation |
Resolution test (reflex test) ordered? |
1a |
1a is the definitive subtype/genotype |
No |
1b |
1b is the definitive subtype/genotype |
No |
2 |
2 is the definitive genotype |
No |
3 |
3 is the definitive genotype |
No |
4 |
4 is the definitive genotype |
No |
5 |
5 is the definitive genotype |
No |
1 |
A definitive genotype/subtype (1a, 1b, 6) could not be assigned. Resolution testing ordered. |
Yes |
1a, 2 (any 2 genotypes) |
Result may be due to mixed genotype infection, recombination of HCV genotypes, or assay probe cross-reactivity. |
No |
1, 3 (2 genotypes with a 1, no subtype) |
Result may be due to mixed genotype infection, recombination of HCV genotypes, or assay probe cross-reactivity. Resolution testing ordered. |
Yes |
HCV not detected |
Assay failed to detect HCV RNA. |
No |
Indeterminate (undetermined genotype) |
HCV RNA detected, but genotype could not be determined. Resolution testing ordered. |
Yes |
Indeterminate (mix) |
Result may be due to mixed genotype infection, recombination of HCV genotypes, or assay probe cross-reactivity. |
No |
An "Undetected" result indicates the absence of detectable hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA in the specimen.
An "Indeterminate" result may be due to one or more of the following causes:
1. Low HCV RNA level (ie, <500 IU/mL)
2. HCV genotype 6
3. Probe reactivity with multiple HCV genotypes
4. Variation in patient's HCV target sequences with mismatches to polymerase chain reaction primers and/or probes.
Specimens generating indeterminate results with this assay will be automatically evaluated with the subsequent test HCVGR / Hepatitis C Virus Genotype Resolution, Serum.
An HCV genotype result of "1" without a subtype result may be due to one or more of the following causes:
1. Low HCV RNA level (ie, <500 IU/mL)
2. Probe reactivity with multiple genotype 1 subtypes
3. Variation in HCV genotype 1 target sequence
4. Misclassification of some true genotype 6 strains
This assay can differentiate between HCV subtypes 1a and 1b. However, subtypes are not reported for HCV genotypes 2 to 5 due to limitations of the current genotyping assay in accurately differentiating the various subtypes of these genotypes.
Results with multiple or mixed HCV genotypes (eg, 1, 5; 1a, 2; or 3, 5) may be due to mixed genotype infection or assay probe cross-reactivity. Only those specimens with multiple or mixed genotype results containing genotype 1 but no subtype will be automatically evaluated with the subsequent test HCVGR / Hepatitis C Virus Genotype Resolution, Serum.
Report Available
1 to 6 daysReject Due To
Gross hemolysis | Reject |
Gross lipemia | OK |
Gross icterus | OK |
Method Name
Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) followed by Hybridization with Sequence-Specific, Fluorescent-Labeled Oligonucleotide Probes
Reflex Tests
Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
---|---|---|---|
HCVGR | HCV Genotype Resolution, S | No | No |
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send 1 of the following:
-Gastroenterology and Hepatology Test Request (T728)
-Microbiology Test Request (T244)