Hepatitis C Viral RNA : Detection Through PCR
Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Hepatitis C is spread through contact with blood from an infected person, by sharing needles or other equipment used to prepare and inject drugs.
KEY FACTS :
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For more than half of people who become infected with the HCV, it becomes a long-term, chronic infection. Globally, an estimated 58 million people have chronic HCV infection, with about 1.5 million new infections occurring per year.
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Chronic hepatitis C can result in serious, even life-threatening health problems like cirrhosis and liver cancer. Symptoms often appear in advanced liver disease.
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In 2019, WHO estimated that approximately 290 000 people died from hepatitis C, mostly from cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (primary liver cancer).
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There is no vaccine for Hepatitis C.
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Getting tested for hepatitis C is important, because newer therapy can cure most people with hepatitis C in 8 to 12 weeks.
HCV RNA Quantitative PCR At Sampurna Sodani Diagnostic Clinic :
Real-Time Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test for the detection of Hepatitis C Virus RNA in human serum or plasma, encompassing six genotypes (HCV-1A, TM 2B, 3, 4, 5 & 6).
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Sensitivity & limit of detection : 227.32 IU/ml.
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TAT : Same day
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Sample type : Serum/ plasma
PURPOSE :
1. Direct Detection and quantification of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA in serum/plasma of infected patients.
2. Chronic HCV infection can be confirmed by PCR as anti-HCV antibodies may appear despite clearing spontaneously the infection by about 30% of the infected population with a strong immune response and without any treatment.
3. Successful treatment decreases the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma by almost 75%. Getting tested for hepatitis C is important, because treatments can cure most people with hepatitis C in 8 to 12 weeks.