HCV RNA Quantitative & Genotyping Test - Book at an Affordable Cost

A useful tool for tracking treatment response and/or disease progression is the quantitative, real-time PCR with Reflex to Genotype LiPA for hepatitis C viral RNA.

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

Procedure

• Molecular Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is used in the quantitative Hepatitis C viral load test.
• The HCV genome's conserved area is the target of amplification. 12 IU/mL (1.08 Log IU/mL) is the lower limit of quantitation, while 100 million IU/mL (8.00 Log IU/mL) is the upper limit. With this assay, the qualitative limit of detection is 12 IU/mL (1.08 Log IU/mL).
• Hepatitis C RNA is detectable in specimens reported as POSITIVE but 12 IU/mL, but the viral load is below the limit of quantification. Infection is still possible even if the test is negative.
• The 5' non-translated region and the 3' core region of the HCV genome are amplified multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the HCV genome as part of the genotyping assay for the disease.
• The Genmark eSensor HCVg Direct Test is used to genotype and detect amplified DNA. This method is capable of identifying and separating HCV genotypes 1a, 1b, two a/c, 2 b, 3, 4, and 5.

What is the Cost of HCV RNA Quantitative & Genotyping Test

The HCV RNA Quantitative & Genotyping Test cost varies from INR 6000 to INR 19000 by region and facility. So constantly get tested at trustworthy diagnostic centres like Ganesh Diagnostic. It is staffed by trained and experienced professionals to assure patient and visitor safety.