The HCV PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test directly detects the genetic material (RNA) of the Hepatitis C virus in the blood. Unlike the Anti-HCV antibody test, which detects the immune response to HCV, the PCR test confirms whether the virus is actively present in the body.
This test is used to confirm an active Hepatitis C infection following a positive Anti-HCV antibody result, quantify the viral load (amount of HCV RNA in the blood) to assess the severity of infection, monitor the effectiveness of antiviral treatment, and detect early Hepatitis C infection before antibodies have developed. It is available in two forms — qualitative (detects presence or absence of HCV RNA) and quantitative (measures the exact amount of virus).
