Hepatitis C RNA Reflex Tests Are Now Available from Commercial Labs
In NYC, many Hep C patients with a positive Hep C antibody test do not get the Hep C RNA test needed to confirm infection (McGibbon et al, 2013).
Clinicians can now order a Hep C antibody test with reflex to RNA from several commercial laboratories. The reflex test confirms current Hep C infection in one step, without the need for the patient to return for a second blood draw.
Only one serum sample is usually needed for reflex testing. The laboratory will do the Hep C antibody test, and if the result is positive, the laboratory will immediately do a quantitative RNA test on the same specimen.
Hep C RNA Reflex Tests are now reimbursed under Medicaid in NYS
Reflex testing complies with CDC recommendations and, as of August 2015, can be reimbursed by Medicaid (more info on the NYS Health Dept website here).
Reference: Half a diagnosis: gap in confirming infection among hepatitis C antibody-positive patients. Am J Med, 2013. McGibbon E, Bornschlegel K, Balter S.
Reflex Testing Information by Lab
Please call the lab to confirm specimen requirements:
- For Quest Diagnostics (test # 91438X), click here.
- For LabCorp, click here and search for test #144045.
- For BioReference, click here and search for test # B125-6
Last Updated on January 25, 2020 by HepFree NYC
