PCR and Viral Load Tests?
Qualitative PCR Test - Do I still have the virus?
If an antibody test is
positive, the next test is to check if the virus is still in your
body using a 'qualitative' PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test.
The PCR test determines whether you are currently infected by
detecting active hepatitis C virus replication in the blood.
A positive PCR test means the virus has been detected in your
body so your immune system was not able to get rid
of the virus by itself during the acute stage. You now have a chronic
Hepatitis C infection.
Viral load/Quantitative PCR test - How much virus ?
A quantitative PCR test (also called a Viral Load Test or Hepatitis C RNA test) is used to
measure the amount of virus in your blood. This is undertaken at
the beginning of treatment to find out how much virus you have in
your body.
The number of viruses in a tiny measurement of your blood is
counted and recorded.
This Viral Load test is then repeated at intervals throughout
your treatment,
so doctors can check how well you are responding.