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🧬 What is HCV RNA PCR (Quantitative)?

The HCV RNA PCR (Quantitative) test measures the amount of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA in the blood using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

It is used to quantify the viral load, i.e., how much virus is present.
Results are reported in IU/mL (International Units per milliliter) or copies/mL.
It helps in monitoring response to antiviral therapy, determining treatment eligibility, and assessing infectivity.

❓ Why is the Test Done?

To:

Assess severity and activity of HCV infection
Guide treatment decisions (especially with direct-acting antivirals)
Monitor response to treatment
Determine sustained virological response (SVR) after therapy
Evaluate infectivity in individuals with confirmed HCV infection

📊 Reference Range / Normal Value

Result (IU/mL)	Interpretation
Undetectable / <15 IU/mL	No HCV RNA detected (viral suppression or resolution)
<800,000 IU/mL	Low viral load
>800,000 IU/mL	High viral load (more likely to need treatment)

💡 Thresholds may slightly vary depending on lab techniques and clinical context.

📈 Interpretation of Results

Result	Clinical Implication
Undetectable	Excellent response to treatment or no active infection
Detectable, low load	May be monitored or treated depending on fibrosis and liver function
High viral load	Higher risk of progression and transmission; likely to benefit from treatment
Declining load during therapy	Indicates good treatment response
Stable or rising load	May suggest treatment failure or drug resistance

🧠 Associated Organs & Conditions

System	Conditions
Liver	- Chronic Hepatitis C - Cirrhosis - Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
Immune	Extrahepatic effects (e.g., vasculitis, cryoglobulinemia)
Blood / Transplant	Important in donor/recipient evaluation for infectious disease screening

🔄 Related / Follow-Up Tests

HCV RNA Qualitative PCR – Confirms active infection
HCV Genotyping – Guides drug selection
Liver Function Tests (ALT, AST, bilirubin)
FibroScan / Liver Biopsy – To assess fibrosis/cirrhosis
Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) – HCC screening
Anti-HCV – Initial screening antibody test

✅ Fasting Required?

Test	Fasting Requirement
HCV RNA PCR (Quantitative)	❌ No fasting required – Can be done any time

📝 Summary Table

Parameter	Details
What	Quantitative PCR test measuring HCV RNA load in blood
Why	Assess severity, guide treatment, monitor therapy
Normal Range	Undetectable or <15 IU/mL
Low Viral Load	<800,000 IU/mL
High Viral Load	>800,000 IU/mL
Follow-up Tests	Genotyping, liver function tests, AFP, FibroScan
Associated Conditions	Hepatitis C, cirrhosis, HCC
Fasting Required	❌ No

HCV – RNA PCR (Quantitative)

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