Also Known As
HCV Viral Load Test, Hepatitis C RNA Test
The Purpose of the HCV Quantitative Test
Hepatitis C is a silent and potentially deadly virus that can go undetected if symptoms aren’t present. It is a chronic infection that can lead to severe liver complications, including cirrhosis and liver failure.
This liver infection can be transmitted in various ways, including exposure to infected blood, sharing needles, or unsafe medical practices. It can also be transmitted through sexual contact or from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth.
Early detection of hepatitis C is crucial for timely treatment and management. A PCR quantitative test for hepatitis C is highly sensitive and looks for genetic material related to the virus. This means it can detect an infection sooner than a typical antibody test.
What Does the PCR Quantitative Test for Hepatitis C Measure?
This test not only determines if you have a hepatitis C infection (the qualitative measurement), but it also tells you how much of the hepatitis RNA you have in your blood (the quantitative measurement).
Who Should Take a Hep C Quantitative Test?
The hep C RNA quantitative test is recommended if someone has been exposed to the virus or is in a high-risk situation. This can include:
- Healthcare workers
- People with liver disease
- Individuals who engage in unsafe sex with multiple partners or share needles while taking intravenous drugs
A test can also be helpful if someone experiences symptoms associated with hepatitis C, although only about one in four people do notice these signs during the first six months of infection:
- High fever
- Fatigue
- Appetite loss
- Stomach pains or nausea
Hep C RNA Quantitative Test Preparation
There are no special instructions you need to follow before giving your blood sample for the hep c quantitative test.
HCV Quantitative Test Results
The qualitative result will come back positive (meaning you have hepatitis C) or negative (the virus wasn’t detected). If your test is positive, you will also see a quantitative measurement. Anything above 800,000 IU/mL is considered a high viral load. A physician can use these results to help determine a course of treatment, but you may also require further testing to assess the extent of any liver damage. If you need expert medical recommendations, contact Personalabs, and we can set up a telehealth appointment for you with one of our board-certified doctors.
Where Can I Get a Hepatitis C RNA Qualitative PCR Test with Reflex to Qualitative TMA Test Near Me?
Keep tabs on your health by shopping online at Personlabs. You can choose from our comprehensive selection of 400-plus health tests, including a variety of liver tests. Before starting, check to make sure you don’t need a doctor’s approval to get a test (this depends on the state where you live).
Step 1: Buy the test you want. Download the lab order that comes with it so you can bring it to your testing appointment.
Step 2: Find the Labcorp or Quest Diagnostics facility closest to you by using the lab locator on our website, then book your appointment.
Step 3: Bring your test order to the lab and give your blood sample.
Step 4: Get your test results in your secure Personalabs account, usually within 2 to 10 business days after submitting your sample. You can also contact us if you need help getting the results by a certain date.
Shop Personalabs today.
