- The HCV RNA PCR test can show whether the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is present in your bloodstream.
- A healthcare professional will take a sample of blood and send it to a laboratory for testing.
- The test can show if the virus is present but not how much virus there is.
- If the test result is positive, a doctor will advise on treatment options.
The HCV RNA PCR test is used to determine whether the hepatitis C virus (HCV) exists in your bloodstream.
If the virus is present, the test can also measure the exact amount that’s in your blood. The amount of virus in your blood is known as the viral load.
The HCV RNA PCR test can also help your doctor decide how best to treat the virus and reduce viral load. Giving you the test before and during treatment allows your doctor to see exactly how your body reacts to certain treatments.
Keep reading to learn more.
A healthcare provider will take a blood sample for analysis.
Before the test, let them know if you’re uncomfortable with certain needles or if you’ve ever passed out at the sight of blood. They can give you a snack to reduce your risk of fainting.
The needle may sting a little as it enters your skin, and you may have a bruise on the site of the draw for a few days.
Results are usually available within a few days or a few weeks at most.
The HCV RNA PCR test is conducted through a process called polymerase chain reaction (PCR). There are two approaches to this process: qualitative and quantitative.
Qualitative test
This test is often used to make an HCV diagnosis. It confirms whether you have the virus in your body, but it doesn’t reveal how much of the virus is present.
The qualitative test is often the second test that a doctor will use to confirm whether HCV is present in the blood. It typically follows the HCV antibody test.
The antibody test indicates whether your body is making antibodies to fight off an HCV infection. If you test positive for HCV antibodies, your doctor will use HCV RNA PCR testing to confirm and measure the amount of HCV in your blood.
Your doctor may also recommend a similar qualitative test known as a transcription-mediated amplification (TMA) test. Some
Quantitative test
This test method measures the exact amount of the HCV in your blood in international units per milliliter (IU/mL). This number determines whether you have a high or low viral load.
The quantitative test is useful for monitoring the amount of HCV in your blood over time or measuring your response to treatment intended to reduce your viral load.
Once the measurement of your viral load drops to 15 IU/mL or fewer, the amount of the virus is considered undetectable. At this point, the qualitative test can confirm whether the virus is actually no longer in your body or if only a small amount is still present.
The qualitative results indicate that HCV is present in your blood. The test result will be either “detected” or “undetected.”
“Detected” means that you do have the virus in your blood. “Undetected” means that you don’t have the virus in your blood, or you have a tiny amount that can’t be detected by this test.
The qualitative test results may still be positive even if your viral load has decreased drastically due to treatment.
The quantitative test results indicate the exact amount of HCV in your blood. This number helps your doctor confirm whether you have a high or low viral load.
Measuring your viral load before treatment allows your doctor to monitor your viral load during and after treatment.
The viral load measurement doesn’t indicate how severe your HCV infection or cirrhosis is. Your doctor will need to take a biopsy, or tissue sample, from your liver to learn more about how your liver has been affected by an HCV infection.
The viral load results from the quantitative PCR test can range from 15 to 100,000,000 IU/L.
If your results are:
- Fewer than 15 IU/mL: The virus is detected, but the amount can’t be measured exactly. You may need to return later for another test to see if the measurement changes.
- Fewer than 800,000 IU/mL: A low viral load is detected.
- More than 800,000 IU/mL: A high viral load is detected.
- More than 100,000,000 IU/mL: The virus is detected and active infection is taking place.
- Inconclusive: HCV RNA can’t be measured, and a new sample needs to be taken.
If your doctor determines that HCV is present, they’ll work with you to develop a treatment plan.
The goal of treatment is to reduce the viral load until the virus has been completely cleared from your body. Your doctor may repeat these tests during treatment to monitor your progress.
If your doctor believes that your liver has been damaged by the virus, they may recommend that you see a specialist for further treatment.