HCV RNA quantitative
A quantitative HCV RNA test measures the amount of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the blood, providing a numerical estimate of the viral load. It's often used to confirm active infection, monitor treatment effectiveness, and assess the response to therapy. The results are typically expressed as international units per milliliter (IU/mL).
Purpose:
- The test quantifies the HCV RNA, helping healthcare professionals understand the severity of the infection and how well it's responding to treatment.
How it works:
- The test uses a process called Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to detect and measure the amount of HCV RNA in a blood sample.
Results:
- The results are usually expressed as IU/mL, indicating the number of viral particles per milliliter of blood.
Interpretation:
- High viral load: Typically >800,000 IU/mL, indicating a higher amount of virus in the blood.
- Low viral load: Typically <800,000 IU/mL, indicating a lower amount of virus in the blood.
- Undetectable: When the viral load drops below 15 IU/mL, it's considered undetectable, which can be a sign of a cure or a very low level of virus.
Clinical use:
- Diagnosis: The test helps confirm the presence of HCV infection.
- Monitoring treatment: It's used to track how well the antiviral treatment is reducing the viral load.
- Predicting treatment success: A low viral load at the start of treatment often indicates a higher chance of a successful outcome.
In essence, the quantitative HCV RNA test provides a precise measurement of the HCV viral load, which is crucial for diagnosing, monitoring, and managing hepatitis C infection.