HCV RNA Quantitative & Genotype Reflex Panel Test Cost & Procedure

The quantity of hepatitis C virus in the blood is known as the viral load. Hepatitis C virus concentrations in the blood are determined by quantitative HCV RNA testing. A precise value, such as "1,215,422 IU/L," will be the outcome. Viral load tests are used to confirm an ongoing hepatitis C infection and to monitor patient response to treatment. You may have a higher chance of eradicating the virus if your blood has less virus when treatment begins.

With this test, the precise concentration of HCV in your blood is determined in international units per millilitre (IU/mL). You can tell if you have a high or low viral load by looking at this value.

Describe the Hepatitis C virus (HCV)

• The hepatitis C virus (HCV), an enclosed RNA virus with a positive-sense single-stranded structure, is the cause of hepatitis C.
• HCV promotes chronic infections by attacking liver cells, causing hepatic damage, and evading innate and adaptive immunity. Although HCV genotypes differ in nucleotide sequences, all known HCV genotypes are currently hepatotropic and pathogenic.
• HCV has several genotypes with different nucleotide sequences.
• The infectivity and pathogenicity of different genotypes vary, which affects the rate of cirrhosis progression and the risk of HCC.
• Moreover, the heterogeneity of HCV would result in various responses to antiviral medication.

What does this test entail?

• The quantitative test is beneficial for monitoring the amount of HCV in your blood over time or analysing your response to treatment intended to reduce your viral load.
• The amount of the virus is regarded as undetectable once your viral load is measured at 15 IU/mL or below. The qualitative test can now determine if the virus is gone from your body or if just a trace quantity is left.

Why is this test recommended?

• Detection of acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection before serum HCV antibodies emerge (i.e., less than two months after exposure)
• Detection and confirmation of chronic hepatitis C infection, as well as genotyping of the virus to help patients choose the best antiviral treatment
• Before beginning antiviral medication, patients with chronic HCV infection (HCV antibody-positive) should have their serum HCV RNA levels measured.
• Determining the HCV infection's cure and spotting a return after the end of antiviral therapy

What do the numerical results indicate?

• The quantitative test results show the precise concentration of HCV in your blood. Your doctor can determine from this value whether you have a high or low viral load.

• Your doctor can keep track of your viral load during and after treatment by measuring it before starting treatment.

• The viral load test does not reflect the severity of your cirrhosis or HCV infection. To determine how an HCV infection has impacted your liver, your doctor will need to take a biopsy, or tissue sample, from your liver.