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)

Hepatitis A Information

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.

Learn More

Required Forms

BPHL Test Requisition, DH1847
(not needed if orders are placed via electronic order)

View Forms

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, e.g., 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 hepatitis A virus is detected. Sequencing is for public health surveillance purposes only and does not have a guaranteed turnaround time.