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Microbiology

Notes

  • Antibody may take up to three months following exposure to become detectable
  • A positive antibody result reflects Hepatitis C infection at some time. To demonstrate ongoing infection, PCR testing is required.
  • In the case of sharps/exposure incidents, same day testing of the source patient's blood is available. Please telephone the laboratory.
  • Suspected infectious hepatitis is a notifiable disease. Click for notification form.
  • This test is part of the following viral screen sets:

Sample requirements

Serum - paired samples not required

8.5ml of blood taken into a plain gel tube

Gold top with cap

Required information

  • Relevant clinical details
  • Date of onset
  • Jaundice, abnormal LFTs, cirrhosis
  • Risk factors (past or current IVDU, past blood transfusion)
  • For sharps/exposure incidents state whether source or recipient and date of exposure
  • Suspected past exposure to Hepatitis C

Storage/transport

Store at fridge temperature

Transport as soon as possible at ambient temperature

Turnaround time

3 - 5 days

Same day for sharps/exposure incidents

Confirmation of positive results may take longer (up to 10 days)