Genotyping by RT-PCR

Genotyping of Hepatitis E virus by conventional RT-PCR followed by sequencing.

Serum or plasma sample. Minimum volume required for serum or plasma is 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 E virus infection. Serology results must show markers to the Hepatitis E virus.

Completed Molecular and Immuno Diagnostics on Hepatitis 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.

Conventional RT PCR with several (up to five) primer sets amplifying all HEV genotypes ORF2 and ORF 3 regions.

19 calendar days.

1. Zhai L, Dai X, Meng J. Hepatitis E virus genotyping based on full-length genome and partial genomic regions. Virus Res. 2006 Sep;120(1-2):57-69.
2. Inoue J, Takahashi M, Yazaki Y, Tsuda F, Okamoto H. Development and validation of an improved RT-PCR assay with nested universal primers for detection of hepatitis E virus strains with significant sequence divergence. J Virol Methods. 2006 Nov;137(2):325-33.