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Report Delivery
7 Days
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Free Sample Collection
Bookings above 500
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Pre - Instruction
No special preparation required
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Covid Safety
Assured
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| Test Details |
| Test Code |
BOBT00434 |
| Test Category |
Individual Test |
| Sample Type |
Blood |
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Details of HCV RNA - PCR (Qualitative)
What is HCV RNA - PCR (Qualitative)?
The HCV RNA PCR test is used to determine whether the hepatitis C virus (HCV) exists in your bloodstream.
If the virus is present, the test can also measure the exact amount that’s in your blood. The amount of virus in your blood is known as the viral load.
The HCV RNA PCR test can also help your doctor decide how best to treat the virus and reduce viral load. Giving you the test before and during treatment allows your doctor to see exactly how your body reacts to certain treatments.
What to expect during testing
A healthcare provider will take a blood sample for analysis.
Before the test, let them know if you’re uncomfortable with certain needles or if you’ve ever passed out at the sight of blood. They can give you a snack to reduce your risk of fainting.
The needle may sting a little as it enters your skin, and you may have a bruise on the site of the draw for a few days.
Results are usually available within a few days or a few weeks at most.
How it works
The HCV RNA PCR test is conducted through a process called polymerase chain reaction (PCR). There are two approaches to this process: qualitative and quantitative.
Qualitative test
This test is often used to make an HCV diagnosis. It confirms whether you have the virus in your body, but it doesn’t reveal how much of the virus is present.
The qualitative test is often the second test that a doctor will use to confirm whether HCV is present in the blood. It typically follows the HCV antibody test.
The antibody test indicates whether your body is making antibodies to fight off an HCV infection. If you test positive for HCV antibodies, your doctor will use HCV RNA PCR testing to confirm and measure the amount of HCV in your blood.
Your doctor may also recommend a similar qualitative test known as the transcription-mediated amplification (TMA) test. Some researchTrusted Source suggests that it’s a much more sensitive detection test for HCV. Your doctor may not think that it’s necessary for you if the PCR test gives sufficient results.
