Hepatitis C RNA, HIV-1 / HIV-2 RNA, Hepatitis B DNA (TMA). Screening

Clinical information

Diagnostic Utility:

This is the qualitative detection of nucleic acids of Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV), and Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1/2), and its determination is useful in:

• Identification of individuals with active infection by any of the three viruses.
• Transfusion of blood components.
• Transplantation of progenitor cells, umbilical cord blood cells, solid organs, and tissues.

Method:

Amplification by transcription (TMA).

Reference Values

Possible results are: Reactive and Non-Reactive.

Diagnostic Algorithm:

In case of a Reactive result of the multiplex screening test for Hepatitis C RNA, HIV-1/HIV-2 RNA, Hepatitis B DNA (TMA), discriminatory assays for HBV, HCV, and HIV can be performed to identify the specific virus/viruses:  

(*) Upon request

Response Time:

Maximum 2 working days

Specimen information

Sample: Plasma and/or serum from living and/or deceased individuals.
Tube: Aliquots of 1-5 mL, plasma tubes with EDTA, ACD, heparin or sodium acetate as an anticoagulant and/or serum tubes without gel separator.
Minimum essential volume: 1 ml

Stability:

• At room temperature: 3 days for samples from living individuals and 1 day for deceased samples.
• Refrigerated at 2-8 °C: 13 days for samples from living individuals and 8 days for deceased samples.
• Sample frozen at or below -20°C: 10 years

Transport instructions: Preferably at room temperature and/or refrigerated if it is whole blood tubes, and frozen if it is serum and/or plasma aliquots.

Reason for rejection: Highly hemolyzed sample.

Administrative information

BST Code: 0200
Test Description: Hepatitis C RNA, HIV-1 / HIV-2 RNA, Hepatitis B DNA (TMA). Screening
Synonyms: NAT
Section: Transfusion Safety Laboratory
BST Rate: Check the updated rates here.

Profiles:

Not applicable.

References

• Procleix Ultrio Elite assay package insert, 503049 Rev. 002