HCV-Hepatitis C RNA Detection Test by Taqman

HCV RNA test is often done as a reflex to positive HCV antibody detection.
Test can detect HCV infection before the appearance of HCV antibodies
It can also be used to confirm presence of chronic (active) HCV infection 

This test is often done as:

• a reflex to positive HCV antibody detection.
• detect HCV infection before the appearance of HCV antibodies
• used to confirm the presence of chronic (active) HCV infection
• can detect the amount of HCV present in the blood known as viral load
• used to monitor the viral load during and after the treatment
• used to confirm whether one has a high or low viral load
• used to determine if liver biopsy is further required
• can be used to develop a comprehensive treatment plan
• monitor the progress of the treatment
• can determine if specialist treatment is required in addition

Presence of HCV RNA in serum

The HCV RNA Detection by TaqMan RT PCR test measures the presence of HCV RNA in serum or plasma.

HCV RNA test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer. 

A "Positive" HCV – RNA result indicates HCV infection in the individual

A "positive" HCV – RNA result indicates HCV infection in the individual. On the other hand, a "negative" HCV - RNA result shows the absence of the Hepatitis C virus in the individual

It is suggested that all adults, pregnant women and people with risk factors for Hepatitis C virus should get the test done.

People with the following symptoms should do the HCV RNA Detection by TaqMan RT PCR test:

• 18 years or older
• Pregnant (must be tested during each pregnancy
• if drugs are being injected, regular testing is recommended
• Injected drugs even once, many years ago
• HIV-AIDS positive individuals
• Liver profile shows an abnormality
• Having any liver disease
• People who are put on haemodialysis
• received organ or blood donation before July 1992
• Received clotting factor concentrates before 1987
• Have been exposed to blood from a person who has hepatitis C
• Were born to a mother with hepatitis C

If the above risk factors are present, in addition to certain signs like yellowing skin or eyes, loss of appetite, stomach upset, nausea or vomiting sensation, pain in the stomach, fever, urine which is dark in colour, light-coloured stool, pain in the joints and tiredness, one is suggested to get tested for Hepatitis C virus which may be present in the blood.

References:

1. Khalvati Fahlyani, B., Behzad-Behbahani, A., Taghavi, S. A., Farhadi, A., Salehi, S., Adibzadeh, S., Aboualizadeh, F., Alavi, P., Nikouyan, N., Okhovat, M. A., Ranjbaran, R., Rafiei Dehbidi, G. R., & Shakibzadeh, A. (2015). Development of an In-House TaqMan Real-Time RT-PCR Assay to Quantify Hepatitis C Virus RNA in Serum and Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection. Hepatitis monthly, 15(8), e28895. https://doi.org/10.5812/hepatmon.28895

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/taqman

It is ideal to get tested if one has symptoms, such as yellow skin or eyes, not wanting to eat, upset stomach, throwing up, stomach pain, fever, dark urine, light-coloured stool, joint pain, and feeling tired

There are no specific preparations required for this test. Inform the doctor of any medical conditions, drugs taken or any allergies such that precautions can be taken accordingly.