Table of Contents
What does it mean if you test positive for hep C?
A reactive or positive antibody test means you have been infected with the hepatitis C virus at some point in time. Once people have been infected, they will always have antibodies in their blood. This is true if they have cleared the virus, have been cured, or still have the virus in their blood.
How accurate is Hep C rapid test?
This test is nearly 100\% accurate, but it must be analyzed in a high-quality clinical laboratory. Once HCV is diagnosed, people who are infected can be closely followed by their doctors, and those who need it can be treated and usually cured with antiviral drugs over an 8- to 12-week course.
What diagnostic tests are used to detect HCV?
Diagnostic tests for hepatitis C include serologic assays that measure human antibodies generated in response to HCV infection and molecular virologic assays that directly detect HCV RNA. The third-generation HCV EIA test is the most frequently used antibody test to initially screen for HCV infection.
Can you get hep C from a finger stick?
The risk of contamination by the hepatitis C virus by accidental needle-stick injury can be estimated at 0 to 3\%, and can only reach a maximum of 10\% when the patient is positive for hepatitis C RNA. The risk is thus less than for hepatitis B virus (7 to 30\%).
What lab values indicate hepatitis?
Additional Blood Tests Your Doctor May Order
| Test | Normal Range | Abnormal Range Severe |
|---|---|---|
| Liver Enzymes | ||
| Liver Function Tests | ||
| Total Bilirubin | <1.2 mg/dL (<20.5 umol/L) | >2.5 mg/dL (42.8 umol/L) |
| Albumin | 3.5-4.5 g/dL | <3.0 g/dL |
How do you read Hep C lab results?
The first test is the hep C RNA qualitative test, also known as the PCR test. A positive result means that a person has the hepatitis C virus. A negative result means that the body has cleared the virus without treatment. The second test is the hep C RNA quantitative test.
What tests are used to diagnose hepatitis C (HCV)?
Laboratory tests for hepatitis C are divided into four general categories: Screening: Screening for hepatitis C virus (HCV) is done with a serologic test for the HCV antibody (Ab). Confirmatory: Diagnosis of chronic hepatitis C requires the presence of HCV RNA, commonly called hepatitis C viral load.
How is the genotype of hepatitis C determined?
Confirmatory: Diagnosis of chronic hepatitis C requires the presence of HCV RNA, commonly called hepatitis C viral load. Genotype: Once it is determined that HCV RNA is present, the specific genotype and subtype of the virus can be determined with a genotype test.
Before treatment, however, the HCV viral load is not related to the patient’s liver disease severity or HCV prognosis. This is important for patients and providers to understand.
How to interpret the results of the HCV RNA test?
Interpreting HCV RNA Test Results Result of HCV RNA Test Interpretation A quantified viral load — any exact num Ongoing HCV infection “Detected” The HCV RNA is detectable but the number “<12 IU/mL” or “<15 IU/mL” or “<25 IU/mL HCV RNA is undetectable. No virus is det