HCV Viral Load (Quantification) by Real Time PCR Test

RNA testing is a cutting edge technology which is used to detect ribonucleic acid from the Hepatitis C virus (also called HCV). There are many different types of RNA technologies, among them the most frequently and predominantly used version is the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test. PCR viral load testing estimates the amount of hep C virus circulating in your blood. It is performed to confirm Hepatitis C and also during the treatment and after the treatment of Hepatitis C. The test can also measure the exact titer in your blood. The quantitative HCV RNA test is performed on a patient who is currently on diagnosis. The lab report will provide a definitive conclusion regarding the existence of Hepatitis C virus in your body, a numerical result to be specific.

No special preparation for this test is required. However, it is recommended to convey to your doctor if you’re under any medications or if you’re allergic to anything. It is recommended to consult the doctor frequently during the entire process and keep him posted with the proceedings. Even a slight feeling or a sensation before or after the test should be conveyed to him.

As mentioned above, it is a definitive test to estimate the amount of hep C virus circulating in your blood. Upon receiving the reports, certain conclusions can be drawn from it, which are: The quantitative test results give you a precise amount of HCV in your blood. This number makes it easy for your doctor to adjudicate whether you have a high or low viral load. It can termed as high viral load if the IU/L count is >800,000 IU/L and it can be termed as low viral load if the IU/L count is <800,000 IU/L. If the count is more than 100,000,000 IU/L, then there is active infection happening.