Pediatric HCV RNA Testing

The Bloodborne Viruses Laboratory provides pediatric HCV RNA testing to detect HCV infection in infants who are born to people with active HCV infections.  Antibody-based tests cannot be used because maternal HCV antibodies are transferred to the infant and can persist for up to 18 months. 

Recommendations on Timing of Testing

Infants should be tested for HCV RNA when they are 2 to 6 months old or 7 to 17 months old if not previously tested.  Currently, HCV treatments are only approved for children who are at least 3 years old. Detection of HCV RNA in infants will allow linkage to care, facilitating follow-up testing that is needed to determine if the child has developed chronic HCV infection or has cleared the virus. Those without detectable HCV RNA are not infected and no additional follow-up is needed.

Qualitative HCV RNA Testing

The BVL conducts HCV RNA testing by real-time transcription-mediated amplification (TMA) using the FDA-approved qualitative method on serum and plasma specimens.  In addition, the BVL has conducted validation studies and has received NYSDOH CLEP approval for: 

  • the use of smaller volumes (100µl to 500 µl) of pediatric serum and plasma specimens
    • the limit of detection for specimen volumes of 100 to 500 µl is 18 IU/ml for serum and 55 IU/ml for plasma
  • extended temperature stability in whole blood, serum, and plasma specimens 

How to Submit Specimens for Pediatric HCV Testing

  • Obtain a Pediatric HIV/HCV Collection Kit by calling the Order Desk (518) 474-4175
  • Follow collection instructions for Pediatric HCV Testing
  • Request ‘HCV Qualitative RNA’ testing online using the Health Commerce System (preferred) or complete the Infectious Disease Requisition (DOH-4463) form
  • Ship specimens using shipping label enclosed in the Pediatric HIV/HCV Collection Kit
  • For full details please see Collection, Shipping and Reporting 

Additional Resources

  • Panagiotakopoulos L, Sandul AL; DHSc; Conners EE, Foster MA, Nelson NP, Wester C; Collaborators. CDC Recommendations for Hepatitis C Testing Among Perinatally Exposed Infants and Children - United States, 2023. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2023 Nov 3;72(4):1-21. doi: 10.15585/mmwr.rr7204a1. PMID: 37906518; PMCID: PMC10683764.
  • New York State Hepatitis C Resources

 

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