What is HCV RNA - PCR (Quantitative)?

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.

Quantitative test

This test method measures the exact amount of the HCV in your blood in international units per milliliter (IU/mL). This number determines whether you have a high or low viral load.

The quantitative test is useful for monitoring the amount of HCV in your blood over time or measuring your response to treatment intended to reduce your viral load.

Once the measurement of your viral load drops to 15 IU/mL or fewer, the amount of the virus is considered undetectable. At this point, the qualitative test can confirm whether the virus is actually no longer in your body or if only a small amount is still present.