HCV Genotyping By PCR

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.

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HCV Genotyping By PCR

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