What does hep C PCR mean?
What does hep C PCR mean?
The HCV RNA PCR test is a blood test that helps a doctor diagnose hepatitis C. The test measures the level of the hepatitis C virus in the bloodstream. Hepatitis C (HCV) is an infection that causes scarring in the liver and reduces function in this vital organ.
What does positive hep C antibody mean?
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.
What does it mean to have Hep C antibodies but no virus?
Some people have antibodies associated with the virus in their blood but do not have an active hepatitis C infection. These antibodies can lead to false-positive results on blood tests for an active infection. A person can have hepatitis C for a number of years, or sometimes decades, without experiencing any symptoms.
How accurate is HCV PCR test?
Sensitivity of the HCV-RNA PCR test was low at birth (22%), but increased to 85% by 6 months. Specificity of RNA PCR was constant over age at 98%. The PPV of the PCR test rose from 33% at birth to 78% at 9 months of age, while NPV ranged from 96% to 99%.
What is the PCR blood test?
PCR (molecular) tests look for the genetic material of the virus itself in the nose, throat, or other areas in the respiratory tract to determine if there is an active infection with SARS- CoV-2.
Can you have a false positive hep C antibody test?
Causes of a false-positive hepatitis C test You may receive a false-positive result if your antibodies are triggered by another infection. People who’ve recovered from hepatitis C on their own may also get a false-positive anti-HCV test result. In rare cases, lab error leads to a false positive.
How do you read Hep C results?
There are two results from a hepatitis C antibody test.
- A non-reactive or negative test result means that the person does not have the virus.
- A reactive or positive test result means that the person has had the virus at some point but does not mean that they still have it.
