Florida Bureau of Public Health laboratories
Hepatitis A PCR
The Hepatitis A PCR test utilizes a Real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) testing method.
Analyte(s)
Hepatitis A virus (HAV)
Test Code
1821
Testing Location
Tampa Laboratory
Testing Department
Virology
Pre-approval Required?
Requires prior approval from Regional Epidemiology and notification to the testing lab. Contact local County Health Department to start the process of approval.
Required Forms
BPHL Test Requisition, DH1847
(not needed if orders are placed via electronic order)
Turn Around time
3-5 business days after receipt at the laboratory.
Minimum Volume
At least 0.2mL serum.
Collection Media
“Tiger” or “red” top SST tube
Specimen Sources
Serum
Specimen Labeling
Specimen must be labeled with at least two unique patient identifiers, ex: Name and DOB, and the date of collection.
Information on the specimen must match the requisition and/or test order.
Special SPecimen Preparation
Centrifuge the SST within 8 hours of collection.
Storage Conditions
Specimens may be stored after collection at 2-8° C or frozen at less than or equal to -20° C.
Packaging and Shipping
Ship in a cooler with ice packs at 2-8° C to be received at the laboratory no more than 6 days from the collection date.
Specimens stored frozen should be shipped frozen to avoid additional freeze/thaw cycles.
unsatisfactory specimen
1) Incorrect source or incorrect collection device was used
2) Specimen was not labeled with 2 unique patient identifiers
3) Information on specimen does not match requisition/test order
4) Grossly hemolyzed
5) Leaked in transit
7) No specimen received with test order
9) Specimen not centrifuged
10) Quantity not sufficient (QNS)
Interferences and Limitations
PCR inhibitors
Reference Range
No virus detected
Result Indicator
Hepatitis A virus detected
No virus detected
Reference lab
CDC if needed
Reflex testing
Sequencing if positive for hepatitis A virus is detected