Rapid test for hepatitis C virus (HCV)

Quick response C Hepatitis virus (HCV) test Is a rapid, qualitative test to detect hepatitis C virus antibodies throughout the body to diagnose hepatitis C virus infection. It is intended only for professional in vitro diagnostics, in a laboratory center.

Hepatitis C virus Is an RNA virus that causes hepatitis C. The virus is transmitted through contact with infected blood or infected objects - through blood transfusions, conventional syringes, tattoo needles, improperly sterilized surgical and dental instruments, pedicure and manicure tools. Sexual transmission is also suggested. It is possible to pass the virus from mother to child during childbirth. The virus is not transmitted through household contact with a hepatitis C patient.

Hepatitis C manifests as an acute infection that translates into chronic hepatitis C in more than 80% of cases. Chronic hepatitis C progressively damages the liver and causes cirrhosis of the liver with all its complications and is one of the leading causes of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Antibodies are detected on average 7-8 weeks after the onset of infection. In the event of spontaneous elimination of the infection, anti-HCV antibodies may persist throughout life or gradually diminish until they finally disappear within a few years.

Antibodies are detected indefinitely in patients with chronic HCV infection.

Test advantages:

• High sensitivity even at low antibody titers;
• Simple procedure;
• Effective and easy to interpret.

When should we get a quick test for the hepatitis C virus?

• Elevated levels of liver enzymes (AST, ALT);
• Diagnosis of acute or chronic hepatitis;
• Intravenous drug use;
• Doing tattoos or body piercings under questionable conditions;
• 50 or more sexual partners;
• Sexual contact with an HCV-infected partner;
• Recent imprisonment.
• HIV-positive individuals;
• Donor blood screening;
• Determine the etiology of liver cirrhosis;
• History of hepatitis C infection;

How to prepare for the test?

No special preparation is required for the test.

The test should be performed on an empty stomach.

Research material

Venous blood or blood plasma.

Possible interpretation of the results

The anti-HCV test provides information only on the effects of past HCV. Negative The result of the anti-HCV test indicates that the patient has never had contact with the virus and therefore the anti-HCV test is used only to rule out HCV infection.

If a person Is positive For HCV antibodies, the hepatitis C test is not considered complete until an HCV RNA test is performed after the anti-HCV test. Only then is the diagnostics of current HVC infection confirmed and appropriate treatment initiated.

Resources

https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hcv/hcvfaq.htm#c6

https://www.synevo.bg/hepatit-c/

https://www.synevo.ro/shop/anti-hcv/

https://spravochnik.synevo.ua/ru/gepatit/virus-gepatita-c.html