Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) RNA Test

Hepatitis C (Hep C) is a viral infection that primarily affects the liver and is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Many people with Hep C do not experience symptoms for years, which is why the infection often goes undetected until it causes liver inflammation or long-term complications such as cirrhosis or liver cancer. 

The virus spreads through contact with infected blood, most commonly through shared needles, past transfusions, or, less commonly, through certain types of sexual contact. Early detection and treatment are essential, as modern antiviral therapies can cure most cases.

Hepatitis viruses are contagious and can cause inflammation of the liver. Early detection is an important step in protecting your health and preventing long-term liver damage.

What's In This Test:

This Hep C RNA test is a molecular test that looks directly for the genetic material (RNA) of the hepatitis C virus in the blood. 

Unlike an antibody test, which only shows if someone has ever been exposed to the virus, the RNA test confirms whether the virus is currently present in your body. It is used to diagnose an active infection, determine viral load (how much virus is present), and monitor response to treatment. 

Why This Test Matters:

The Hep C RNA test is crucial because it provides the most definitive answer to the question: Do you currently have an active hepatitis C infection? While antibody tests can only show past exposure, the RNA test detects the virus itself. This distinction matters because someone can have antibodies for life even after the virus is gone, but only the RNA test can confirm whether treatment is needed right now.

Early identification of active Hep C is essential for preventing serious liver damage. Hepatitis C often causes no symptoms for years, silently leading to scarring, cirrhosis, or even liver cancer. By detecting the virus early, the RNA test allows people to begin highly effective antiviral treatment that can cure the infection in over 95% of cases.

How Hepatitis C Spreads:

Hepatitis C is transmitted through direct contact with blood from a person who has the virus. Today, most new infections occur through behaviours or situations where blood-to-blood exposure can happen. Key routes of transmission include:

• Sharing needles, syringes, or other equipment used to inject drugs; the most common cause of new infections.
• Receiving a blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1992, when screening for HCV became routine (risk is now extremely low).
• Sharing items that may have small amounts of blood, such as razors, toothbrushes, or nail clippers.
• Needle-stick injuries in healthcare settings.
• Non-sterile tattooing or piercing equipment, particularly in unregulated settings.
• Certain types of sexual contact, especially if blood is present, among people with HIV, or in rough or prolonged sexual activity.

Hepatitis C does not spread through casual contact such as hugging, kissing, sharing food or drinks, or using the same toilet.

Understanding how the virus spreads helps with prevention and early testing, both of which are essential because many people with Hep C don’t have symptoms for years.

What Your Results May Indicate:

• Negative Result: No signs of a hepatitis C infection were detected.
• Positive Result: Indicates that the virus is present in your bloodstream, confirming an active Hepatitis C infection. This means you can transmit the virus to others through blood-to-blood contact

Who Is at Higher Risk?

While anyone can be infected, risk increases with certain behaviours or exposures.

CDC Screening Recommendations for Hepatitis C

• Adults born between 1945–1965
• Anyone who has ever injected drugs, even once
• People on long-term hemodialysis
• Individuals with persistent abnormal liver tests
• People with HIV
• Recipients of blood products or organ transplants before 1992
• Healthcare or occupational exposures to HCV-positive blood

Why You Shouldn’t Wait To Test:

When hepatitis goes undiagnosed, the virus can continue damaging the liver without you realising it, often for years. Because many people have few or no symptoms, the infection can quietly progress and lead to serious health complications, including:

• Chronic liver inflammation: Ongoing inflammation gradually weakens the liver and reduces its ability to function properly.
• Liver scarring (cirrhosis): Long-term damage can lead to scar tissue replacing healthy liver tissue. Cirrhosis is irreversible and can cause significant health problems.
• Liver failure: As liver function declines, the body can no longer filter toxins, produce essential proteins, or support digestion, leading to life-threatening complications.
• Liver cancer: Chronic hepatitis C significantly increases the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common form of liver cancer.
• Serious health symptoms over time: Untreated hepatitis can eventually cause jaundice, abdominal swelling, confusion, bleeding disorders, and extreme fatigue as the liver deteriorates.
• Transmission to others: Without knowing your status, you may unintentionally put partners or household members at risk.

Delaying testing can leave you unsure about your health and unaware of a potential hepatitis infection that may already be affecting your liver. Because many people experience mild or no symptoms, waiting can allow silent damage to progress without your knowledge. Testing now provides clarity, helps protect your long-term liver health, and ensures you can take the right steps sooner rather than later. Early awareness empowers you to safeguard both yourself and those around you.

Who Should Consider This Test?

You may want to get tested if you believe you’ve been exposed to hepatitis, even if you feel completely well.

Testing is also recommended for anyone experiencing symptoms of liver inflammation, including:

• Fever
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Dark urine or pale stool
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Abdominal discomfort
• Fatigue

Many people with hepatitis, especially hepatitis C, may have mild or no symptoms at all, sometimes for years. That’s why proactive testing is key.

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