Hepatitis C Test (Cont.)

Hepatitis C Test: Viral RNA

This viral RNA test (HCV RNA) shows whether or not the hepatitis C virus is in your body, and if it is, it will also tell how much of the virus is there (see Hepatitis C Viral Load). This is done by detecting the amount of virus RNA (genetic material) in your blood through a technique called PCR. PCR stands for polymerase chain reaction, and is a method of duplicating a specific region of DNA or RNA. Once enough of the genetic material has been copied, it can be adequately tested.
 
Your healthcare provider will also use a blood test to find out which genotype of the hepatitis C virus you have (see Hepatitis C Genotypes). This will be very important in planning your hepatitis C treatment program.
 

Hepatitis C Test: Liver Biopsy

To help see how much liver damage has been done, your healthcare provider can perform a procedure called a liver biopsy. During this procedure, a small sample of tissue is taken from your liver with a needle and then examined under a microscope for signs of hepatitis and liver damage.
 

Hepatitis C Test: Summary

By performing some or all of these hepatitis C tests, your healthcare provider can determine:
 
  • Whether or not you have hepatitis C
  • How much of the virus is present
  • The amount of liver damage that has been caused.
     
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD