Clinical information
Diagnostic Utility:
This is the qualitative detection of nucleic acids from the Hepatitis E virus (HEV) and its determination is useful in:
- Identification of individuals with an active HEV infection.
- Blood component transfusion.
- Transplantation of progenitor cells, umbilical cord blood cells, solid organs, and tissues.
Method:
Transcription-Mediated Amplification (TMA).
Reference Values
Possible results are: Reactive and Non-Reactive.
Diagnostic Algorithm:
In case of a reactive HEV result, the following tests can be requested:
| Code | Test Name | Can it be Requested Separately? | Is it Always Done? |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1404 0402 0403 |
Hepatitis E, RNA (PCR). Quantification Hepatitis E, IgG Antibodies. Screening Hepatitis E, IgM Antibodies. Screening |
YES YES YES |
NO (*) NO (*) NO (*) |
(*) Upon request
Response Time:
Maximum 2 working days
Specimen information
Sample: Plasma and/or serum from living and/or cadaveric individuals.
Tube: Aliquots of 1-5 mL, plasma tubes with EDTA, ACD, heparin, or sodium citrate as 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 cadaveric samples.
- In refrigeration 2-8 ºC: 13 days for samples from living individuals and 8 days for cadaveric samples.
- Sample frozen at or below -20ºC: 10 years
Transport instructions: Preferably at room temperature and/or refrigerated if they are whole blood tubes, and frozen if they are serum and/or plasma aliquots.
Reason for rejection: Highly hemolyzed sample.
Administrative information
BST Code: 0400
Test Description: Hepatitis E, RNA (TMA) Screening
Synonyms: NAT VHE, RNA VHE
Section: Transfusion Safety Laboratory
BST Rate: Check the updated rates here.
Profiles:
N/A
References
- Procleix HEV assay package insert, 504513EN Rev. 001