Serum or plasma concentration of a specific RNA sequence (e.g., viral RNA)
This test measures the amount of viral RNA in your blood or plasma, which can help track infection levels or monitor treatment response.
["This test helps assess viral load in your blood or plasma."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 34703-9
- Short code
- HCV RNA SerPl NAA DL=500-aCnc
- Synonyms
- HCV RNA SerPl NAA DL=500-aCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- probe-amp-tar-detection-limit-iu-ml
- CPT
- 86803
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may order this test to diagnose, monitor, or manage a viral infection, such as hepatitis, COVID-19, or another RNA-based virus. It can also help determine how well your treatment is working or if you’re at risk for complications.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed. You may provide a blood sample (serum or plasma) or, in some cases, urine or other fluids, depending on the specific virus being tested. Follow your provider’s instructions carefully.
What the Test Results Mean
High levels of viral RNA often indicate an active infection. Lower levels may suggest the infection is improving or under control. Your results will be interpreted by a healthcare professional based on your clinical picture and symptoms.
Common Uses and Conditions
This test is commonly used for diagnosing acute infections, guiding treatment decisions, and evaluating response to antiviral therapy in conditions like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or respiratory viral infections.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical significance: Elevated viral RNA levels strongly correlate with active viral replication and disease progression. It is a critical marker for monitoring treatment efficacy, assessing viral resistance, and guiding decisions about antiviral therapy or isolation measures.
Short name
Viral RNA Level (Serum/Plasma)
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean?
How often should I get this test?
Can I drink alcohol before this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy