Hepatitis C virus, PCR-quantitative

Why this test? 

To confirm the diagnosis of viral hepatitis C, determination of the quantitative content of RNA of the virus. 

To predict the course of viral hepatitis C.

To assess the effectiveness of antiviral therapy and to decide on further treatment tactics.

In what cases is it prescribed? 

When hepatitis C virus RNA is detected by qualitative methods or other tests for the diagnosis of this virus. In acute and chronic viral hepatitis C. 

When planning, during and after the end of antiviral therapy. 

When assessing the possibility of developing chronic hepatitis C, liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma of the liver.

Tesing Preparation 

Exclude the use of laxatives, the introduction of rectal suppositories, oils, limit (in agreement with the doctor) the use of medications that affect intestinal peristalsis (belladonna, pilocarpine, etc.), and drugs that affect the color of feces (iron, bismuth, barium sulfate ), within 72 hours before stool collection. 

Test Information 

The hepatitis C virus (HCV, HCV) is an RNA-containing virus of the Flaviviridae family that infects the liver and leads to the development of chronic hepatitis C, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. There are six known genotypes and many subtypes of the virus, which have different significance in the progression of the disease and the effectiveness of antiviral therapy.

The modern method of diagnosing HCV is the polymerase chain reaction method in real time. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a method of molecular diagnostics that allows detecting fragments of the genetic material (RNA) of the virus in the early stages of the disease. It is characterized by high sensitivity and specificity and allows you to get results in a relatively short time. 

The real-time PCR method allows detection of viral RNA both qualitatively and quantitatively. Qualitative detection of the genetic material of the virus allows us to assume the presence of the virus in the studied material. 

Quantitative characteristics of the RNA content of the hepatitis C virus in the studied biomaterial, i.e. determination of the viral load, allows us to evaluate the effectiveness of antiviral therapy and predict the course of the disease with the possible development of a chronic process and complications. Determination of viral load on automated equipment allows analysis of all 6 (1-6) genotypes of HCV, has high clinical specificity of the test (100%) and almost completely excludes possible diagnostic errors at all stages of analysis. 

The effectiveness of treatment is evaluated by the amount of RNA before and during therapy. When evaluating the effectiveness of antiviral therapy and predicting the development of a chronic process, the amount of viral RNA in diagnostic units - IU / ml is used. If the concentration of the virus is less than 8x10 ^ 5 IU / ml (800,000 IU / ml), then antiviral treatment is effective, if it is higher, then it is necessary to consider alternative options for therapy. 

Thus, the viral load of HCV is less than 8x10 ^ 5 IU / ml and the determination of the HCV genotype are the most important parameters in predicting the disease and evaluating the effectiveness of therapy.