Hepatitis C Viral RNA PCR Qualitative HCV RNA PCR Qualitative Test
Short Name: HCV RNA PCR Qualitative
Also known as: HCV RNA Qualitative Test, Hepatitis C PCR Test, HCV Viral Load Qualitative, Hepatitis C Nucleic Acid Test, HCV RT-PCR Qualitative
Hepatitis C Viral RNA PCR Qualitative HCV RNA PCR Qualitative Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹5,031. Uses Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) on Serum or Plasma samples. Results in Sample collection on Tuesday or Friday by 11 AM. Reports available on Thursday or Monday. Reports are delivered via online portal, email, and WhatsApp.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
🩺 Medically Reviewed By
Dr Kothari Ramesh Shantilal
Consultant Microbiologist · Reg: 27670
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026
Overview
The primary purpose of the Hepatitis C Viral RNA PCR Qualitative test is to detect the presence of HCV RNA in blood, confirming active Hepatitis C infection. This test is essential for diagnosing HCV infection prior to seroconversion (when antibodies have not yet developed), distinguishing active infection from resolved past infection, identifying chronic Hepatitis C carriers who may be HCV antibody-negative (especially in immunocompromised individuals such as organ transplant recipients or HIV-positive patients), and guiding treatment decisions including initiation and monitoring of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy. It is also used to confirm sustained virologic response (SVR) after completion of antiviral treatment.
- Test Code
- 727
- CPT Code
- 87520
- ICD Code
- B18.2
- Price
- ₹5,031
- Sample Type
- Serum or Plasma
- Result Time
- Sample collection on Tuesday or Friday by 11 AM. Reports available on Thursday or Monday. Reports are delivered via online portal, email, and WhatsApp.
- Fasting Required
- Yes (8 hours)
- Method
- Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR)
Sample Collection
Overnight fasting (8–12 hours) is recommended. No special dietary restrictions are required beyond fasting. Inform the phlebotomist about any current antiviral medications. Ensure proper identification and labeling of the sample.
Method: Venipuncture – aseptic blood collection
Laboratory Analysis
A trained phlebotomist will collect approximately 2 mL of blood via venipuncture using standard aseptic technique. The blood will be drawn into the appropriate collection tube (SST for serum or EDTA Lavender Top for plasma).
Report Delivery
Apply gentle pressure to the puncture site with a cotton ball or gauze for 3–5 minutes. Avoid heavy lifting with the punctured arm for the rest of the day. The sample will be processed, stored, and transported under controlled temperature conditions to the laboratory for analysis.
Timeline: Sample collection on Tuesday or Friday by 11 AM. Reports available on Thursday or Monday. Reports are delivered via online portal, email, and WhatsApp.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
The primary purpose of the Hepatitis C Viral RNA PCR Qualitative test is to detect the presence of HCV RNA in blood, confirming active Hepatitis C infection. This test is essential for diagnosing HCV infection prior to seroconversion (when antibodies have not yet developed), distinguishing active infection from resolved past infection, identifying chronic Hepatitis C carriers who may be HCV antibody-negative (especially in immunocompromised individuals such as organ transplant recipients or HIV-positive patients), and guiding treatment decisions including initiation and monitoring of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy. It is also used to confirm sustained virologic response (SVR) after completion of antiviral treatment.
How to Prepare
- Overnight fasting (8–12 hours) is recommended before sample collection
- Serum/plasma must be separated aseptically within 2 hours of blood collection
- Ship the sample refrigerated (2–8°C) or frozen (−20°C or below)
- Use only SST (serum) or EDTA Lavender Top (plasma) tubes – heparin tubes are not acceptable
- Maintain cold chain during transport to prevent RNA degradation
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Kothari Ramesh Shantilal — MBBS, MD (Microbiology) · Reg. No. 27670
"The HCV RNA qualitative PCR test is the gold standard for confirming active Hepatitis C infection. It is particularly valuable in detecting viremia before antibodies develop during the window period and in immunocompromised patients who may not produce detectable antibody levels. Early detection allows timely initiation of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy, which can cure over 95% of chronic Hepatitis C infections. I recommend this test for anyone with risk factors such as history of blood transfusions before 1992, intravenous drug use, needle-stick injuries, or unexplained liver enzyme elevations."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Hemolyzed or lipemic specimens
- Samples collected in heparin tubes
- Specimens not separated within 2 hours of collection
- Samples received at ambient temperature without cold chain documentation
- Unlabeled or improperly labeled specimens
- Clotted specimens collected in EDTA tubes
Understanding Your Results
HCV RNA Detected (Positive)
Active Hepatitis C infection is confirmed. The virus is present and replicating in the blood. Further evaluation including HCV genotype testing, liver function tests, and assessment of liver fibrosis is recommended. Referral to an infectious disease specialist or hepatologist for antiviral treatment planning is advised.
Action: Consult an infectious disease specialist or hepatologist immediately for treatment planning with direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy.
HCV RNA Not Detected (Negative)
No active Hepatitis C virus was detected in the blood sample. This may indicate the absence of infection, a resolved past infection, or viral levels below the detection limit. If there has been recent exposure, repeat testing may be warranted as the virus may not yet be detectable.
Action: If risk factors for HCV exposure exist, consult your physician about repeat testing. If previously treated, this may indicate a sustained virologic response (SVR).
Consult an infectious disease specialist or hepatologist if your HCV RNA test is positive (Detected). Also consult a doctor if you have been exposed to Hepatitis C, have symptoms such as persistent fatigue, jaundice, dark urine, or unexplained liver enzyme elevations, or if you have risk factors including history of blood transfusions before 1992, intravenous drug use, or needle-stick injuries.
Limitations
- ⚠This is a qualitative test; it does not quantify the viral load. For quantitative assessment, HCV RNA quantitative PCR should be ordered.
- ⚠A negative result does not rule out recent infection; testing should be repeated if clinical suspicion remains high.
- ⚠This test does not determine HCV genotype. A separate genotyping test is required for treatment planning.
- ⚠Cross-contamination of samples may lead to false-positive results.
- ⚠Performance may be affected in severely immunocompromised patients with very low viral levels.
Risks & Considerations
- ●Minor bruising or discomfort at the blood draw site
- ●Rare risk of fainting during venipuncture
- ●Extremely rare risk of infection at the puncture site
- ●False-negative results in very early infection or with very low viral levels
Interfering Factors
- ●Hemolyzed or lipemic samples may affect test accuracy
- ●Improper sample handling or delayed processing (serum/plasma must be separated within 2 hours of collection)
- ●Contamination during sample collection or transport
- ●Recent antiviral therapy may lower viral levels below the detection threshold
- ●Specimens collected in incorrect tubes (heparin anticoagulant is not acceptable)
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Frequently Asked Questions
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