PCR for Hepatitis C
PCR for Hepatitis C
- PCR for Hepatitis C test is done using RT PCR technology available only at Maurya Labs Purnea, Bihar to measure the viral load in Hepatitis C patients
- No special preparation is required for PCR for Hepatitis C test
- PCR for Hepatitis C helps in diagnosing and monitoring the efficiency of the treatment being done for hepatitis C
What is PCR for Hepatitis C?
HCV infection is one of the most common causes of chronic liver disease, accounting for 60-70% of all chronic hepatitis. Acute HCV infection is often asymptomatic or associated with non-specific symptoms and usually goes undiagnosed. However, 60% to 85% of patients develop chronic infection which is associated with increased risk of cirrhosis, end-stage liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma.
PCR for Hepatitis C is done to find the viral load of the patient is very critical for accurate diagnosis and treatment monitoring of Hepatitis C patients.
Reported Parameters
- 15 IU/mL: Despite virus detection, the exact viral load cannot be measured. Hence, you will need to do the test again to see if there is a change in the measurement.
- > 800,000 IU/mL: A low viral load is present.
- < 800,000 IU/mL: A high viral load is present.
- < 100,000,000 IU/mL: Active infection is present.
- Inconclusive: The virus cannot be measured. So, a new sample should be collected.
All The Questions that you might have
- What is PCR for Hepatitis C Test ?
- What does the PCR for HCV test measure?
- Why should I do the PCR for HCV test?
- How is the PCR for HCV test done?
HCV infection is one of the most common causes of chronic liver disease, accounting for 60-70% of all chronic hepatitis. Acute HCV infection is often asymptomatic or associated with non-specific symptoms and usually goes undiagnosed. However, 60% to 85% of patients develop chronic infection which is associated with increased risk of cirrhosis, end-stage liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma.
PCR test for HCV is done to fin the viral load of the patient is very critical for accurate diagnosis and treatment monitoring of Hepatitis C patients.
The PCR for HCV viral load test measures the following:
- Qualitative analysis: A positive result indicates the presence of HCV infection.
- Quantitative analysis: A positive result measures the amount of HCV in the blood. It will determine if the viral load is high or low viral. It is beneficial in monitoring the effect of medications.
- HCV viral load test is recommended before start of treatment to estimate the baseline viral load.
- This is a quantitative assay used for monitoring patients who are on anti HCV therapy
- It is used to guide duration of anti-viral therapy
- It used to check improvement in infection & detection of relapse
The HbA1c test is a simple blood test with no need for fasting before the test. The blood sample can be taken by the phlebotomist at a pathology lab.
