HCV
A PCR-based test for qualitative detection of Hepatitis C virus RNA in blood plasma samples; identifies the following HCV genotypes: 1a, 1b, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Hepatitis C virus
Chronic viral hepatitis C can result in the development of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The virus genome is comprised of single-stranded RNA, which encodes both structural (E1, E2 - proteins of the outer virus shell) and non-structural (functional) proteins (p7, NS2, NS3, NS4A, NS4B, NS5A, NS5B), which possess enzymatic activity and participate in viral replication.
Hepatitis C virus has high genetic variability, which complicates the development of effective specific prophylaxis methods and contributes to the rapid formation of antiviral-resistant virus variants. There are several HCV genotypes and subtypes. In clinical practice, the most common genotypes are 1a, 1b, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, which differ in geographical distribution and effectiveness of therapy. It is known that patients infected with HCV subtype 1b are less responsive to therapy with pegylated interferon, ribavirin and direct antiviral drugs, in contrast to patients with HCV genotypes 2 and 3.
People infected with HCV act as the source of infection even during the incubation period. The infection is characterized by a blood-contact mechanism of transmission, the realization of which occurs through natural (vertical, sexual, indirect) and artificial routes. The main factor of HCV transmission is blood or its components, to a lesser extent - other human biological fluids (ejaculate, vaginal secretion, saliva, etc.). The artificial route of transmission takes place during medical and non-medical manipulations accompanied by skin or mucous membrane damage. Mother-to-child transmission of the virus is possible during pregnancy and childbirth, but the probability of transmission is low. After entering the body, HCV enters hepatocytes, where it replicates. High replicative activity of the virus is a determining factor in the progression of fibrosis and the development of liver cirrhosis.
Detection of hepatitis C virus
The incubation period of viral hepatitis C varies from 2 to 26 weeks, averaging at 6-8 weeks. The acute phase of the disease may be asymptomatic or may present with nonspecific symptoms such as general weakness, fatigue, nausea, joint and muscle pain. Jaundice of the skin and mucous membranes is rarely present. In most cases, the acute phase of the disease is followed by the development of chronic hepatitis, which persists for a long time without marked clinical manifestations; in some cases, the diagnosis is reached only after the manifestation of liver cirrhosis complications.
PCR assay is a highly sensitive and specific diagnostic method that allows detection of HCV RNA as early as 1-2 weeks after contracting the virus. The presence of HCV RNA in the serological window phase (in the absence of anti-HCV) is an important diagnostic criterion.
Indications for testing
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Confirmation of current HCV infection -
Antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C -
Treatment effectiveness monitoring -
Liver disease of unspecified etiology -
Acquired immunodeficiency -
Use of immunosuppressive therapy
HCV
The HCV REAL-TIME PCR Kit is designed for qualitative detection of hepatitis C virus RNA in human biological material by real-time RT-PCR.
The HCV REAL-TIME PCR Kit can be used in research practice.
Sample: Blood plasma, blood serum
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HCV QUANTITATIVE
The HCV Quantitative REAL-TIME PCR Kit is designed for quantitative detection of hepatitis C virus RNA in human biological material by real-time RT-PCR.
The HCV Quantitative REAL-TIME PCR Kit can be used in research practice.
Sample: Blood plasma, blood serum
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Please note that the specialists of the DNA Technology company provide consultations exclusively to medical specialists on the application and research features. Requests related to the appointment, delivery, or interpretation of tests are not considered. For relevant information, we recommend contacting the laboratory directly.