Viral Load Quantification

Determination of Hepatitis Delta viral load by quantitative in-house real-time RT-PCR.

Serum or plasma sample. Minimum volume required for serum or plasma – 1.0 mL.

Collect blood in serum separator tubes (SST) or EDTA tubes.

Store samples frozen until shipped for testing. Ship frozen on dry ice.

Shipping of specimens shall be done by a TDG certified individual in accordance with TDG regulations. For additional information regarding classification of specimens for the purposes of shipping, consult either Part 2 Appendix 3 of the TDG Regulations or section 3.6.2 of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations as applicable.

Suspected Hepatitis Delta virus infection. Serology results must show markers to the Hepatitis Delta virus.

Completed Viral Hepatitis and Bloodborne Pathogens requisition including sender name, address and telephone number.  Patient name or identifier (referring specimen lab #), date of birth, suspected exposure, test(s) requested.  Type of specimen and date collected.  If possible, include the clinical history and lab results that have already been done at local or provincial laboratories.

Only samples that are positive for anti-HDV antibodies will be tested. Samples submitted for anti-HDV serology testing are automatically reflexed to HDV RNA testing, if positive for antibodies. Anti-HDV negative specimens are not automatically tested for HDV RNA. RNA testing may be requested with justification (immunosuppression, treatment monitoring etc.).

In-house real-time quantitative RT-PCR for the viral load quantification and follow-up of patients with HDV infection. HDV detection will be reported on all viral load quantification requests.

19 calendar days. Positive anti-HDV samples that are reflexed to HDV RNA testing have an extended turnaround time of 21 calendar days.

1. Le Gal F, Gordien E, Affolabi D, et al., Quantification of hepatitis delta virus RNA in serum by consensus real-time PCR indicates different patterns of virological response to interferon therapy in chronically infected patients. J Clin Virol 2005; 43(5):2363-2369.
2. Osiowy C, Day J, Lee E. (2024) Laboratory development of an RNA quantitative RT-PCR assay reporting in international units for hepatitis D virus. Frontiers in Microbiology,15, Article 1472826. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2024.1472826.