Hepatitis C Virus, Qualitative
Understanding Hepatitis C Virus, Qualitative
What is Hepatitis C Virus, Qualitative?
Hepatitis C Virus, Qualitative test is performed to screen, diagnose, or monitor the treatment of a Hepatitis C virus infection. Hepatitis C (HCV) is an infection that causes scarring in the liver and can lead to liver failure. However, early diagnosis can reduce the risk of severe infection.
This test detects the presence of the virus itself which is detected much earlier, rather than the antibodies. This means that a person does not have to wait until symptoms of the infection develop for a diagnosis.
The HCV test is prescribed to confirm hepatitis C virus infection and to diagnose HCV infection if symptoms of liver disease appear. Some most common symptoms of HCV are fever, fatigue, jaundice, grey feces, and dark-colored urine.
The quantitative test results do not reflect the level of HCV in the body. However, it can only confirm the presence of HCV in the blood.
What is Hepatitis C Virus, Qualitative used for?
- To confirm a Hepatitis C virus infection if the patient is suspected to have been exposed to HCV
- To diagnose HCV infection if symptoms of liver diseases or hepatitis appear like jaundice, enlarged liver, etc.
- For screening of HCV infection if the patient has risk factors of infection like being born between 1945 and 1965, or receiving blood transfusions before 1992.
Other tests
