Eurofins Biomnis code

GENC

Synonyms

• Genotyping - HCV
• HCV - genotyping

Specialty

Infectious

Clinical significance

HCV belongs to the family of Flaviviridae and is parenterally transmitted. In France, at least 600,000 people are believed to be infected. The acute phase of the resultant hepatitis is often asymptomatic or atypical but chronic infection becomes established in over 50% of cases. Of these, one in five will develop cirrhosis which can lead to hepatocellular carcinoma. HCV represent a global public health problem. Diagnosis depends on serological analysis. A positive screen result should be confirmed using a different technique (a different, commercially available ELISA). Immunoblotting (RIBA) is of little practical relevance. Viral activity can be monitored most simply by measuring aminotransferase activity but this can be extended by PCR assay of viral RNA in the serum which is the most sensitive test and which is ideal for monitoring the efficacy of treatment (i.e. the disappearance of viral RNA). Quantitative estimation of the viral load using the PCR assay or the b-DNA technique can be useful when it comes to deciding what treatment strategy to adopt and for therapeutic monitoring. Determining the viral genotype can also be useful in evaluating the likelihood of therapeutic benefit and choosing the appropriate drugs and doses; it is recognized that the chances of success are lower if the genotype of the virus is 1b.

Preanalytics

• 1.5 mL :
• Serum or Heparin plasma
•   FROZEN
• Freezing within 4 hours

• A tube specifically for this analysis : Yes

Further information

The test will only be performed if the viral load has recently been performed. Please ensure you enclose the result of the recent viral load test.
1 individual aliquot for this analysis.
The minimum viral load to proceed with testing is 500 IU/mL

Methodology

Real-time PCR

Turnaround time

7 days