HCV RNA, Quantitative Real Time PCR

By Healthmatters Editorial Team

Peer-reviewed sources

NOT DETECTED

Interpretation: An “Undetected” result indicates that HCV is absent in the serum specimen.

<15 IU/mL mL (<1.18 log IU/mL)

A result of <15 IU/mL (<1.18.log IU/mL) indicates that HCV RNA is detected, but the HCV RNA level present cannot be quantified accurately below this lower limit of quantification of this assay. When clinically indicated, follow-up testing with this assay is recommended in 1 to 2 months. To assess response-guided therapy eligibility, an “Undetected” result is required, and a result of “<15 IU/mL (<1.18 log IU/mL) should not be considered equivalent to an “Undetected” result.

15 to 100,000,000 IU/mL (1.18-8.00 log IU/mL)

This assay as a result range of 15 to 100,000,000 IU/mL (1.18 log to 8.0 log IU/mL) for quantification of HCV RNA in plasma or serum. A viral load is detected.

>100,000,000 IU/mL (>8.00 log IU/mL)

A result of “>100,000,000 IU/mL (>8.00 log IU/mL)” indicates the presence of active HCV viral replication, and the HCV RNA level present cannot be quantified accurately above this upper limit of quantification of this assay. The virus is detected and active infection is taking place.

Inconclusive

An “Inconclusive” result. Submit a new specimen for testing if clinically indicated indicates that inhibitory substance(s) is/are present in the serum specimen tested. When clinically indicated, collection of a new serum specimen for retesting is recommended.

The viral load of hepatitis C refers to the amount of virus present in the bloodstream. The quantitative HCV RNA tests measure the amount of hepatitis C virus in the blood. The result will be an exact number, such as "1,215,422 IU/L." Many people refer to the quantitative measurement as the hepatitis C "viral load."

Viral load tests are used to confirm active hepatitis C infection and are used during treatment to help determine response. If you have lower levels of virus in your blood when you start treatment, you may have a better chance of getting rid of the virus.

Other things to know:

- The viral load measurement does not tell us anything about the severity of a patient's liver disease or the degree of fibrosis (scarring). For that information, the patient would need additional testing.

- It is not necessary to check the viral load repeatedly during treatment.

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Written by Healthmatters Editorial Team

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