Hep c test?

hi all


i was exposed to a small risk 3 weeks ago





i paid for a pcr test this week and t came back clear





however, on the results clips its says quantative RNA test and not PCR test





are these the same thing and if not would a quantative pcr test have pick up the infecti 3 weeks after exposure?

Hep c test?
The quantitative HCV RNA tests use either a process called polymerase chain reaction (PCR) -


or transcription-mediated amplification (TMA) -


or signal amplification (branched DNA). These are all "quantitative" techniques and will give an actual level of HCV RNA -- a measurement of the amount of hepatitis C virus in the blood. The result will be an exact number, such as "1,215,422 IU/L." Many people refer to the quantitative measurement as the hepatitis C "viral load."





You should note that as indicated above, a PCR test is one of the quantative RNA tests. Also, be aware that a single positive PCR test indicates infection with HCV. A single negative test does not prove that a person is not infected. Virus may be present in the blood and just not found by PCR. Also, a person infected in the past who has recovered may have a negative test. When hepatitis C is suspected and PCR is negative, PCR should be repeated.








Hope this helps


matador 89
Reply:Ive reactive hep c,combined with cirrhosis is potentially deadly
Reply:normally you have to have the test again as it doesn't always show up so soon after the exposure