Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Quantitative PCR Test

Hepatitis C is known as a harmful liver infection that can be the reason for critical damage in your liver. Hepatitis C infection is caused by the Hepatitis C virus which is one of the three hepatitis virus categories named Hepatitis A, B and C. The most concerning matter is, no vaccines have been introduced so far that can help an individual prevent this infection. However, detecting the disease in the body is as necessary as measuring the severity of this liver infection in a human body, which is the prime purpose of performing a Hepatitis C virus quantitative PCR test. This test measures the viral load and helps the medical experts assess the severity of this disease in a human body. It must be kept in mind that this particular test is not performed for the purpose of detecting the presence of Hepatitis C induction in an individual’s body.

When to go for this test?

When the doctors feel the need to assess the severity of hepatitis C infection in your body, then they can suggest you to go for this test for the purpose of measuring the viral load and get proper information about the progression of the infection in your body before starting treatment. Also, this test is performed for the purpose of monitoring treatment response in patients who are already receiving treatments for Hepatitis C infection. Nowadays, it’s easier to get this test facility for a reasonable cost because a Hepatitis C virus quantitative PCR test price is so budget-friendly these days.

Test preparations

No specific preparations are needed for this test but it is also mandatory to inform the doctors if you are already on medication. Also, have a brief consultation with the pathology experts to know about the guidelines that must be followed during the Hepatitis C virus quantitative PCR test.

Sample requirements

A specific amount of blood will be collected by a medical expert through a syringe and the test will be performed on that collected blood sample. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with a certified doctor immediately if you face any kind of physical illness after the blood sample collection process is done. However, so many people have gone for the facilities of Hepatitis C virus quantitative PCR test at home to avoid the hazard of visiting pathology labs physically.

Result interpretation

The test report will only show the amount of viral load found in your blood sample. A count less than 800,000 IU/ml is considered as low viral load and a count more than 800,000 IU/ml is considered as high viral load.

What is Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is a critical liver infection and the Hepatitis C virus is the main cause of it.

What is the difference between Hepatitis B, A and C?

Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C are caused by 3 different viruses and they are known for affecting the liver differently.

How can Hepatitis C Spread?

Hepatitis C can spread through needle sharing, sexual contact or through exposure to body fluids of an infected person.

Can I donate blood if I am having Hepatitis C?

Any person who is having the seed of this disease in their body can not donate blood.

What are the symptoms of Hepatitis C?

Major symptoms of Hepatitis C infection may include loss of appetite, dark colored urine, stomach pain, nausea, fatigue etc.

Can you get Hepatitis C more than once?

Yes, you can get this infection more than once.

What is the treatment available?

Treatments are available for Hepatitis C infection that may include oral therapy. You may need to consume some prescribed pills that will help you get a cure.

Is there any vaccine for Hepatitis C?

No vaccines have been introduced so far for Hepatitis C.

How soon may the symptoms occur after getting the infection?

It may take approximately two weeks to six months for the symptoms to be generated after your exposure to Hepatitis C.

Who is at risk of having Hepatitis C?

People who are involved in risky sexual behavior, people who share needles for illegal drug abuse purposes, people who are receiving dialysis treatment for a long time and people who share personal care items with anybody who already has the seed of this disease in the body are at a high risk of developing Hepatitis C.