TYPES OF HCV TEST
HCV or Hepatitis C Virus test is another type of blood testing that seeks for the RNA or genetic material of the kind of virus that caused hepatitis or the antibodies the patient’s body makes against the virus. Proteins will be in the blood if the patient has Hepatitis C infection whether previously or at present. It is necessary that the type of virus is identified to ensure it will not spread out and proper treatment will be given. HCV test can let the doctors identify the type of virus hence provide the right treatment to patients. Hepatitis C Virus spreads through the human’s infected blood.
TYPES OF HCV TEST There are different types of HCV tests available, Anti HCV antibody, HCV RIBA and HCV genetic material or RNA
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ANTI HCV ANTIBODY This will look for antibody to virus in the patient’s blood, signalling a virus infection has happened. Anti HCV antibody cannot confirm the difference of long term and acute infection, EIA or enzyme immunoassay can be the initial test to be done to check on anti HCV antibodies.
HCV RIBA Another test to check antibodies or virus. This test will identify whether the positive result is from HCV infection or the result is false positive. This can be ordered to double check EIA positive test result.
HCV GENETIC MATERIAL This test uses a PCR or Polymerase chain reaction to recognise an active heap C infection. RNA can be diagnosed or seen in a patient’s blood within two weeks of a patient’s exposure to the said virus. This can also measure the virus level in the patient’s blood, also called as viral load, or how well a patient with Hepatitis C Virus is responding to the treatment being given. “Viral load or also called as HCV quantitative test is most of the time used during and before the treatment to keep track of the length of time treatment should be given to patient and to check the overall performance of the treatment to HCV patient” “HCV viral genotyping on the other hand is utilised to check which genotype virus is present. HCV has six types of genotypes, some are harder to treat than others. “
Unfortunately, vaccine is not available yet in the market to minimise the chances of hepatitis C. Needless to say, it is necessary that a patient experiencing the symptoms of hepatitis C consult a doctor right away. Tests should be done to identify the type of virus occurs. After virus is identified, the doctor will plan on the treatment and medication. Series of tests will be made again to check on the treatment’s effectivity and progress.