What is HCV?
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a virus responsible for causing both acute & chronic hepatitis (liver disease) in individuals. It is a small, enveloped, positive-sense single-stranded RNA (ribonucleic acid) virus. It ranges in severity from mild illness which lasts for few weeks to a very serious, life-threatening condition. It is known to be the major cause of liver cancer.
What is HCV genotyping test?
It is a way by which you can put hepatitis C virus (HCV) into categories based on similar genes. Its genotype assay (investigative procedure in laboratory medicine) helps to determine between the major genotypes 1,2,3,4,5 & 6 & their subtypes. This specific virus subtype determination is beneficial for the guidance of treatment.
What is HCV Genotyping by PCR Test?
PCR (polymerase chain reaction; method which rapidly makes millions to billions of copies of specific DNA sample & amplify it to make it easier for study by the scientist) is a technology used for HCV genotyping that will help determine the type of treatment a person will be offered.
Why is HCV Genotyping by PCR lab test done?
HCV infection is a blood borne & transfusion transmitted infection which has been long known as a major health challenge worldwide. With increasing HCV cases, its qualified screening has become necessary for its proper diagnosis & treatment. Hence this test becomes necessary because:
- As medication-based therapy for HCV infection treatment depends upon the type of genotype (an organism’s complete set of genetic material) present.
- With perpetual interaction & integration among people from various regions and countries has led to varying therapeutic responses in HCV infected individuals living in different geographical locations.
- There are 6 major types of HCV & more than 50 subtypes which makes it necessary for its identification
- Hence, proper diagnosis of infecting virus, & its genotype becomes useful in the targeted treatment.
This test is ordered or done when you’ve been diagnosed with chronic HCV infection & are about to begin the treatment. For this test:
- A person who has hepatitis C, blood is drawn from her/his vein at a laboratory.
- Then HCV genotyping test by PCR is performed to look at the parts of the virus’ genetic makeup known as nucleotides. As every hepatitis C genotype will have unique genetic makeup, the specific type can be identified for treatment.
- Which tests confirm Hepatitis C virus?
HCV antibody test is a blood test which is used to find if someone has been infected with HCV. This test basically looks for antibodies to the hepatitis C virus released in our body
- How can HCV test results be read?
The initial tests simply show “positive” or “negative” showing whether the person has hepatitis C virus or has already recovered from it without treatment. The second test which is hep C RNA quantitative test gives a number showing virus levels.
- What do you mean by HCV PCR quantitative?
It is a quantitative test indicating number of viral copies of hepatitis C virus in the blood stream. It works by detecting concentration of genetic material in small amount of blood.
- What happens when anti-HCV test comes positive?
A positive or reactive antibody test means that you’ve been infected with hepatitis C virus at some point in time. People who have been infected, will always have antibodies of HCV in their blood
- What is the accuracy of Hep C RNA test?
The RNA test helps measure number of viral RNA particles in blood called “viral load”. This test is 100% accurate and detects infection within couple of weeks of exposure.
- HCV genotype assay should only be performed on specimens (sample of something) obtained from patients confirmed with HCV RNA levels in serum of 500 IU/ml or higher; and not for the purpose of screening.
- Test displays hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype i.e. from 1 to 5
- Most seen HCV genotypes are 1a & 1b, followed by genotypes 2 and 3.
INTERPRETATION OF THE RESULTS:
- “Undetected”: indicates absence of detectable HCV RNA in the specimen
- “Indeterminate”: due to reasons 1) low HCV RNA level (
- “1” without a subtype: due to causes 1) low HCV RNA level (i.e.
- “Multiple or mixed HCV genotypes (e.g. 1, 5; 1a, 2; or 3, 5)”: due to mixed genotype infection or assay probe cross-reactivity.
In general Hepatitis C testing is done:
- For purpose of screening: If you are age 18 or older, pregnant (with each pregnancy), have risk factors for HCV infection; it is recommended to do it at least once in life.
- For diagnosis: you’ve been exposed to HCV like via injection drug use, or you have signs & symptoms related to liver disease
- For monitoring: it is done before, after & during hepatitis C treatment.
