HCV PCR (polymerase chain reaction) is a test for the hepatitis
C virus (HCV).
T here are three types of HCV PCR tests:
The HCV PCR viral detection test definition - medical term
This qualitative test is designed
to detect whether the hepatitis C virus is or is not present.
The HCV PCR viral load test definition - medical term
This quantitative test looks for the
virus and estimates the number of HCV viruses per ml of blood.
The HCV PCR genotype test definition - medical term
This test looks for the virus and determines
the particular subtype of HCV.
The three different HCV PCR tests serve different purposes. The qualitative test
is done to confirm the presence of HCV in the blood of a person with positive HCV
antibody test. The quantitative test is done to estimate the length of treatment
that will be needed and to monitor the effectiveness of that treatment. The genotype
test is usually done before the start of treatment because it can differentiate
each of the major subtypes of HCV. Knowing the subtype can be important because,
for example, treatment with interferon is more often effective for people with genotype
subtypes 2 or 3 than for those with genotype 1.
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