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HCV Card test

Liver
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Report in 4Hrs

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At Home

nofastingrequire

No Fasting Required

Details

It is used for screening for Hepatitis C virus (HCV) exposure

9521,435

34% OFF

HCV Card Test Information Guide

  • Why is it done?
    • Detects antibodies to Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), indicating current or past HCV infection
    • Screening tool for blood banks and blood product testing to ensure safety of blood transfusions
    • Rapid point-of-care diagnostic test used in resource-limited settings and clinical laboratories
    • Evaluates patients with risk factors for HCV exposure including intravenous drug use, blood transfusions prior to 1992, or occupational exposure
    • Investigates symptoms suggestive of hepatitis including jaundice, elevated liver enzymes, or chronic liver disease
    • Part of routine screening protocols in healthcare facilities, emergency departments, and voluntary counseling and testing centers
  • Normal Range
    • Negative Result: No detectable HCV antibodies present. No color development or minimal color at test line indicates absence of anti-HCV antibodies. Normal values indicate no current or past HCV infection.
    • Positive Result: HCV antibodies detected. Color development at both control and test lines indicates presence of anti-HCV antibodies, suggesting current or past HCV infection.
    • Invalid Result: No color development at control line or unclear results requiring test repetition.
    • Units of Measurement: Qualitative (Positive/Negative) interpretation without numerical values
    • Sensitivity and Specificity: Typically 95-99% sensitivity and 98-99% specificity depending on test format and manufacturer
  • Interpretation
    • Negative Result Interpretation: Patient has not been exposed to HCV or antibodies have not yet developed (window period). May indicate cleared infection or false negative in early infection stage.
    • Positive Result Interpretation: Indicates HCV antibody presence. May indicate active infection, chronic infection, or past infection with spontaneous or treatment-induced clearance. Requires confirmatory testing with HCV RNA (nucleic acid test) to determine if active infection is present.
    • Window Period: 2-8 weeks after infection before antibodies become detectable. During this period, negative results may not exclude active infection. HCV RNA testing may be needed.
    • Factors Affecting Results: • Sample handling and storage conditions • Test temperature and humidity sensitivity • Improper sample application • Immunosuppression affecting antibody production • Very recent infection (window period) • False positives in patients with autoimmune diseases or liver disorders • Test kit manufacturing defects or expiration
    • Clinical Significance: Positive results indicate exposure to HCV. Approximately 15-25% of infected patients spontaneously clear the virus; 75-85% develop chronic infection. Chronic HCV can lead to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and end-stage liver disease if untreated.
  • Associated Organs
    • Primary Organ System: Hepatic system (liver). HCV primarily affects hepatocytes and hepatic tissue.
    • Diseases Diagnosed or Monitored: • Acute hepatitis C • Chronic hepatitis C • Hepatic cirrhosis • Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) • Liver fibrosis and steatosis • End-stage liver disease
    • Extrahepatic Manifestations: • Cryoglobulinemia (immune system) • Vasculitis (blood vessels) • Glomerulonephritis (kidneys) • Lymphoproliferative disorders (lymphatic system) • Sjögren's syndrome (autoimmune condition) • Thyroid disorders • Diabetes mellitus
    • Potential Complications: • Portal hypertension and varices • Ascites and peritoneal complications • Hepatic encephalopathy • Hepatorenal syndrome • Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis • Increased bleeding risk • Transmission to others through blood contact
    • Risk for Co-infections: HCV often co-occurs with hepatitis B, HIV, and hepatitis A in high-risk populations, potentially accelerating liver disease progression
  • Follow-up Tests
    • Confirmatory Testing: HCV RNA (nucleic acid amplification test/NAAT) by RT-PCR to confirm active infection and measure viral load
    • Genotyping: Determines HCV genotype (1-6) to guide treatment selection and predict treatment response
    • Liver Function Tests: ALT, AST, bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, albumin, and prothrombin time to assess hepatic function
    • Fibrosis Assessment: • FibroTest (sFibroTest) or similar non-invasive fibrosis markers • Transient elastography (FibroScan) • Liver biopsy (if indicated) • AST-to-platelet ratio index (APRI)
    • Co-infection Screening: • Hepatitis B serology (HBsAg, anti-HBc, anti-HBs) • HIV antibody test • Hepatitis A serology (if non-immune) • Other viral screening as indicated
    • Imaging Studies: Abdominal ultrasound, CT, or MRI to assess liver architecture, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma screening in advanced disease
    • Platelet Count: To assess for thrombocytopenia related to portal hypertension or splenomegaly
    • Monitoring Frequency: Baseline assessment immediately after positive diagnosis, then every 6-12 months for untreated chronic HCV; after antiviral therapy, HCV RNA testing at 12 weeks post-treatment to verify cure
  • Fasting Required?
    • Fasting Requirement: No - Fasting is NOT required for the HCV Card test
    • Sample Collection: Uses finger-prick whole blood, serum, or plasma depending on test format. Can be performed at any time without dietary restrictions.
    • Medication Restrictions: No medications need to be withheld or modified. Antiviral medications, anticoagulants, and other drugs do not interfere with test results.
    • Patient Preparation: • No special preparation needed • Patient can eat and drink normally • Can take regular medications as scheduled • No specific time restrictions • Ensure adequate hydration (helps with blood collection) • Inform healthcare provider of medications and recent infections
    • Sample Handling: Sample should be collected using appropriate collection tubes (EDTA, serum separators, or capillary tubes). Store at room temperature or refrigerate immediately depending on kit specifications. Follow manufacturer's instructions for sample stability and transport.
    • Testing Conditions: Test should be performed at room temperature (15-30°C) within specified timeframe after collection. Exposure to extreme temperatures or humidity may affect result accuracy.

How our test process works!

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