The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a single-stranded, positive-sense, small RNA virus with an envelope. The main cause of parenterally transmitted non-A, non-B hepatitis is now understood to be HCV. Over 80% of individuals with well-documented non-A, non-B hepatitis have HCV antibodies. HCV has been divided into six primary genotypes based on the phylogenetic study, each of which comprises one or more subtypes.

Hepatitis C Antibody (HCV), Rapid Card Test Overview 

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a single-stranded, positive-sense, small RNA virus with an envelope. The main cause of parenterally transmitted non-A, non-B hepatitis is now understood to be HCV. Over 80% of individuals with well-documented non-A, non-B hepatitis have HCV antibodies. HCV has been divided into six primary genotypes based on the phylogenetic study, each of which comprises one or more subtypes.  

The HCV One Step Rapid Test is a double antigen-sandwich technique-based lateral flow chromatographic immunoassay. On the test line area of the device, the membrane is covered with recombinant HCV antigen. During testing, the HCV antigen-coated particles cause a reaction with the serum or plasma material. A favourable result is indicated by the presence of this coloured line. 

You might have the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and not show any signs of it. If your doctor checks your blood and notices that specific liver enzymes are present at excessive levels, they may discover it. If that occurs, more tests will be performed to determine whether you have the condition.

What diagnosis is done by Hepatitis C Antibody (HCV), Rapid Card Test? 

The 4th Generation HCV Rapid Card Test is an in vitro diagnostic test for IgM, IgG, and IgA antibodies to the Hepatitis C virus that may be used to quickly, visually, sensitively, and qualitatively identify these antibodies in human serum or plasma. It was created and engineered utilising a special mix of modified HCV antigens with improved sensitivity for core and NS3 antibodies. The anti-HCV test, often known as the HCV antibody test, scans blood for hepatitis C virus antibodies. When a person becomes infected, substances called antibodies are produced in circulation. The time it takes for test results to be returned might range from a few days to a few weeks. 

When liver tests are abnormal or when determining the origin of existing liver damage, hepatitis C testing may be conducted. In addition, if you are having symptoms, HCV testing is essential. Although hepatitis C seldom produces symptoms, symptoms might appear one to three months after getting the infection. Some typical symptoms include: 
 

• Urine is a dark yellow colour 
• Tiredness or fatigue 
• Clay-coloured or grey-coloured stools 
• Fever 
• Joint and abdominal pain 
• Vomiting, nausea, or loss of appetite 
• Yellowish skin and eyes - Jaundice 
   

Who needs Hepatitis C Antibody (HCV), Rapid Card Test? 

Doctors suggest everyone over the age of 18 get tested for Hepatitis C Antibody (HCV), at least once throughout their lives. Get screened without a doubt whether any of the following apply to you: 
 

• You inject or use drugs. 
• Regardless of how infrequently or long ago it was, you have ever injected narcotics. 
• You have HIV. 
• On renal dialysis, you are. 
• You are expecting. 
• Your alanine aminotransferase levels are abnormal (ALT).  
• You underwent an organ transplant, blood component transfusion, or both. 
• Have you ever had clotting factor concentrations created? 
• A blood donor who later tested positive for the hepatitis C virus gave you blood. 
• You have a job that exposes you to HCV-infected needles, such as a first responder or in the medical field. 
• Transferred from mother to baby. 
   

How Hepatitis C Antibody (HCV), Rapid Card Test is done? 
 

• On a permeable immunofiltration membrane, HCV antigens are immobilised. Both the sample and the chemicals are absorbed into the absorbent pad underneath the membrane as they travel across it. 
• HCV antibodies, if present in serum or plasma, attach to the immobilised antigens when the patient's sample travels across the membrane. Unbound serum/plasma proteins are eliminated during the subsequent washing phase. 
• The protein-A conjugate is then added in the following phase, binding to the Fc component of the HCV antibodies to produce a characteristic pinkish purple dot against a white background in the test location ("T1" &/or "T2").  
• A "Built-in Quality Control Dot" has been designed in the control area ("C") to validate the appropriate operation of the device, reagent, and proper procedural application. 
   

Your body produces these proteins when it detects the hepatitis C virus in your blood. They often appear 12 weeks after the illness. Your test results for antibodies will either be negative or positive. 

Understanding and Interpretation of Hepatitis C Antibody (HCV), Rapid Card Test Result 

Your test results are kept private. Some laboratories will call you with the results. You could have a choice in how you get your findings. Before taking the test, enquire about this. 

The assay's normal range is "Not Detected." This assay's quantitative range is 10–100,000,000 IU/mL (1.0–8.0 log IU/mL). 

Non-Reactive HCV Antibody Test Result 

A non-reactive or negative antibody test specifies that you are not infested with the hepatitis C virus at this time. However, if you believe you have been exposed to hepatitis C in the recent 6 months, you must get tested again. 

A positive hepatitis C antibody test result indicates that you have had the virus in the past but may not now have HCV. Either a non-reactive or negative or a reactive or positive result will be listed in your test report. 

Reactive HCV Antibody Test Result 

A reactive or positive antibody test indicates that you have had hepatitis C at some point in the past. Antibodies are constantly present in the blood of sick individuals. This holds regardless of whether they are free of the virus, have been healed, or still carry it in their blood. A follow-up test is necessary if you have a reactive antibody test; however, this does not always indicate that you now have hepatitis C. 

HCV Antibody Test Is Reactive 

You need a second test to determine if you presently have hepatitis C and if the antibody test is reactive or positive. Nucleic acid testing (NAT) for HCV RNA is the name of this procedure. 

If the HCV RNA NAT is: 
 

You should discuss treatment options with a clinician if you have a reactive antibody test and a positive NAT for HCV RNA.