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🧬 What is HCV RNA PCR (Qualitative)?

The HCV RNA PCR (Qualitative) test detects the presence (but not the quantity) of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA in a person’s blood using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).

It confirms active HCV infection, even when antibody tests (Anti-HCV) may be falsely negative or inconclusive.
This is often the first molecular-level confirmation after a positive HCV antibody screening.

❓ Why is the Test Done?

To:

Confirm active HCV infection following a positive Anti-HCV antibody test
Diagnose early/acute HCV when antibodies may not yet be formed
Detect chronic HCV infection
Evaluate newborns of HCV-positive mothers (where maternal antibodies may persist)
Screen blood or organ donors

📊 Reference Range / Normal Result

Result	Interpretation
Not Detected / Negative	No HCV RNA found – either no infection or viral load below detection limit
Detected / Positive	Active HCV infection confirmed – virus present in blood

⚠️ “Detected” does not indicate how much virus is present — only that it is.

📈 Interpretation of Results

Result	Clinical Meaning
Detected	Active HCV infection – requires further evaluation and staging
Not Detected	No current viremia – may indicate resolved infection, false antibody result, or successful treatment
Indeterminate	Repeat test may be needed – possible early infection or lab error

🧠 Associated Organs & Conditions

Organ/System	Related Conditions
Liver	- Acute or chronic Hepatitis C - Liver fibrosis or cirrhosis - Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
Immune System	Chronic viral infection may lead to immune-mediated extrahepatic manifestations
Others	- Mixed cryoglobulinemia - Renal disease - Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (in rare cases)

🔄 Related / Follow-Up Tests

HCV RNA Quantitative PCR – Measures viral load
HCV Genotyping – Determines strain for treatment planning
Liver Function Tests (ALT, AST, bilirubin)
FibroScan / Liver biopsy – To assess liver fibrosis/cirrhosis
Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) – Screening for HCC
Anti-HCV (Antibody Test) – Initial screening test

✅ Fasting Required?

Test	Fasting Requirement
HCV RNA PCR (Qualitative)	❌ No fasting required – Can be done anytime

📝 Summary Table

Parameter	Details
What	PCR test to detect HCV RNA in blood (qualitative: present/absent)
Why	Confirm active Hepatitis C infection, especially after positive antibody test
Normal Result	Not Detected
Detected Result	Confirms active infection – requires further staging and treatment
Follow-up Tests	HCV RNA Quantitative, HCV Genotype, LFTs, liver scan
Associated Conditions	Acute/chronic Hepatitis C, liver cirrhosis, HCC
Fasting Required	❌ No

HCV – RNA PCR (Qualitative)

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