A Hepatitis C RNA test (sometimes called a PCR test), is a laboratory based test using either a large “finger prick” sample of blood or venous blood sample detecting whether the Hepatitis C virus is present in the blood stream or not. A positive test indicates the virus is present and indicates treatment is required.
RNA PCR testing is (in general terms) a quantitative test measuring viral load, or if the virus is present in the blood sample.
Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is a molecule that is present in the majority of living organisms and viruses. It is made up of nucleotides, which are ribose sugars attached to nitrogenous bases and phosphate groups.
The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a method widely used to make millions to billions of copies of a specific DNA sample rapidly, allowing scientists to amplify a very small sample of DNA (or a part of it) sufficiently to enable detailed study.
RNA PCR testing is, where possible, our preferred test as it involves only a single test. For this you will need to speak to your health professional or contact your local laboratory service to check on availability.
