Hepatitis D PCR

Testing Laboratory

Auckland Te Toka Tumai | Auckland Hospital

Department

Virology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

HEPD

Test Code (Numeric Code)

8740

Laboratory Handling

Phlebotomy

Hepatitis E Virus PCR

Registration

If an FBC and Molecular testing are both requested and only one EDTA tube is received, prioritise the specimen for FBC testing and forward a “Query Correct Specimen” form to VIM. If both a micro EDTA specimen and a full EDTA tube are received for FBC and Molecular testing, send the micro EDTA specimen for FBC testing and the full EDTA tube for Molecular testing.

Separating

EDTA blood tube, PPT and SST tubes must be centrifuged and separated within 6 hours of collection.

Laboratory

Samples should be sent to Molecular Infectious Diseases section during the normal working hours 8:00 am - 16:00 pm. During weekend and afterhours store, the samples at 2–8°C. in dedicated box/rack in ALSS.

Sample Stability

EDTA whole blood: Stable at room temperature for up to 24 hours and at 2–8°C for up to 7 days. PPT/SST tubes: Must be centrifuged and plasma/serum separated within 6 hours of collection. Separated PPT/SST tubes are stable at 2–8°C for up to 7 days. If storage exceeds 7 days, aliquot the plasma/serum into appropriately labelled secondary tubes and freeze at ≤−20°C.

Synonyms

HDV PCR
Hepatitis D PCR
Hepatitis D virus PCR
Hepatitis D virus (HDV) nucleic acid detection
Hepatitis Delta Virus PCR

Turnaround Time

4 days

Tests performed as required.

Specimen Type

• Plasma
• Serum
• Whole Blood

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• EDTA (Lavender Cap)

Acceptable

• EDTA (Lavender Cap)
• PPT Plasma Preparation Tube (Pale Pink Cap)
• SST II (Gold Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

2

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

1

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• EDTA (Microtainer)

Acceptable

• EDTA (Microtainer)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

2

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

1

Additional Specimen Information

Preferred: EDTA whole blood tube minimum 1 mL
PPT plasma: minimum 0.5 mL.
Acceptable: SST serum minimum 0.5 mL
For any other sample type, please contact the Clinical Virologist through AK-MOL-INF-DIS@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz prior to requesting testing.

Aliquot Instructions

Sample Type

• Plasma

Minimum Volume (ml)

1

Transport to Lab

Chilled (2 - 8 degrees Celsius)
Frozen

Additional Referral/Aliquot Information

Referral
Sample requirements:
Preferred: 1ml Plasma from EDTA whole blood tube or PPT. Acceptable: SST.
Sample stability:
EDTA whole blood: Stable at room temperature for up to 24 hours and at 2–8°C for up to 7 days.
PPT/SST tubes: Must be centrifuged and plasma/serum separated within 6 hours of collection. Separated PPT/SST tubes are stable at 2–8°C for up to 7 days. If storage exceeds 7 days, aliquot the plasma/serum into appropriately labelled secondary tubes and freeze at ≤−20°C.
Transport:
Transport specimens chilled if they will be received within the 7-day stability period. If this period will be exceeded, transport the separated plasma/serum frozen.
For any other specimen types, please contact Clinical Virologist by email at AK-MOL-INF-DIS@adhb.govt.nz before sending the specimen.

Test Method

Qualitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (detected / not detected).

Laboratory notes for ALSS:
PPT/SST tubes: Centrifuge the specimen and transport to the MID section during routine working hours. After hours, store spun tubes in the designated blood racks in the ALSS fridge.
Swabs, biopsies, and other fluid specimens: Transport directly to the MID section during routine working hours. After hours, store specimens in the designated VADD box for processing the following day.
Micro EDTA specimens: Do not separate specimens Monday–Friday between 07:00 and 16:00. For specimens received outside these hours, centrifuge and aliquot 1.5 mL into each of two appropriately labelled EPP tubes. Store in Freezer 35 in the designated coloured rack.
If an FBC and Molecular testing are both requested and only one EDTA tube is received, prioritise the specimen for FBC testing and forward a “Query Correct Specimen” form to VIM.
If both a micro EDTA specimen and a full EDTA tube are received for FBC and Molecular testing, send the micro EDTA specimen for FBC testing and the full EDTA tube for Molecular testing.

Contact Information