HCV (Hepatitis C Virus) RNA Quantitative (Viral load) by Taqman, Serum or Plasma

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.
Detection and quantitation of HCV RNA is an important component of diagnosis and treatment monitoring

Overview

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a common cause of viral infection in the liver. HCV viral load is the quantity of virus circulating in the patient infected with HCV. The HCV RNA PCR test can detect the presence of HCV in the blood. Additionally, the HCV viral load test detects HCV infection. If the test is positive, it will also measure the quantity of virus present.

Who should do the HCV viral load test?

The HCV viral load test should be done in the:

• Pregnant women
• Any individual above 18 years of age
• HIV patients
• Children born to an HCV-infected mother
• Individuals who inject drugs by sharing needles and syringes
• Healthcare workers who experienced a needle-stick injury
• Healthcare workers exposed to HCV-positive blood or serum

Written by: Dr. Niranjan Patil, M.B.B.S, MD Microbiology, Dept. of Microbiology and Molecular Biology