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VIRAL AND RICKETTSIAL DISEASE LABORATORY​


Test Order
Hepatitis A Virus Detection & Subgenotyping - PCR​


Information CategoryInformation Detail​
Pre-ApprovalNone
Supplemental Information Requested

Specimens must have tested positive for Hepatitis A Virus IgM at an outside laboratory

Requested: disease onset date and relevant liver enzyme values

Submittal FormVRDL General Purpose Specimen Submittal Form
MethodologyReal-time RT-PCR (LDT) (Diagnostic)
Reflex TestingGenotyping
Acceptable Specimen Type(s) and Collection MethodHuman specimens:
  • Serum or whole blood: red top or red/gray top serum separator tubes
  • Plasma:  Whole blood with anticoagulant potassium EDTA
Minimum Volume Requested
  • Serum or Plasma: 0.5 ml
  • Whole blood in serum separator tubes: 2 ml
  • Whole blood in anticoagulant tubes: 2 ml
Transport Medium (if using)Not Applicable
Specimen LabelingEach specimen tube must be labeled with at least two unique patient identifiers, e.g., patient full name and date of birth.
Storage & Preservation of Specimen / Shipping Conditions

Serum and Plasma: freeze or refrigerate specimens after collection.

Whole blood: refrigerate specimens promptly after collection. Do not freeze whole blood.

Ship refrigerated specimens to VRDL on cold packs. Ship frozen specimens to VRDL on dry ice.

Shipping Instructions

Work with your local public health department to ensure samples are packaged according to instructions for Biological Substance – Category B (UN 3373) shipment.

Ship specimens and a hard copy of the completed submittal forms to:    

CDPH VRDL
ATTN: Specimen Receiving
850 Marina Bay Parkway
Richmond, CA 94804
Phone: 510-307-8586

Turnaround Time10 Business days
LimitationsNegative results do not preclude the possibility of infection
Additional InformationSpecimens should be collected as close to onset as possible.
VRDL Points of ContactMedical and Epidemiology Liaisons: (510) 307-8586​

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