Description

A Hepatitis C (HCV) reflex PCR is a diagnostic test that uses a combination of screening and confirmatory tests to help diagnose a recent or chronic HCV infection:

  • Screening test: The first test is a hepatitis C screening test.
  • Reflex test: If the screening test is reactive, a second specimen is collected and an RNA test is performed.
  • Confirmatory test: If the RNA test is positive, the patient has an active HCV infection and will be referred for treatment. If the RNA test is negative, the patient is likely not infected with HCV. 

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that affects the liver and can cause both short-term and long-term illness. It's spread through contact with infected blood, which can happen in a number of ways, including: 

  • Sharing needles or syringes 
  • Unsafe medical procedures, such as blood transfusions with unscreened blood products 
  • Sexual activity without a condom 
  • Getting an unregulated tattoo or body piercing 

Symptoms of hepatitis C include:

  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Dark urine
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)

Fasting not required.