Hepatitis C Virus Genotype Assay Blood

Hepatitis C Virus Genotype Assay Blood Test is used to detect the presence of Hepatitis C genotypes in the blood of individuals with chronic HCV infection. This test helps to determine a patient’s hepatitis C virus genotype.

What is the Hepatitis and Hepatitis C Virus?

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver and can lead to scarring, cirrhosis or liver cancer. Hepatitis can be caused due to auto-immune diseases, alcohol or toxic substances. Hepatitis C is transmitted through blood to blood contact with someone infected with HCV. Usually, acute HCV infection is asymptomatic (does not show any symptoms). In individuals with chronic infection symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, fever, dark urine, decreased appetite, joint pain etc are seen.

Hepatitis C Virus HCV causes both acute and chronic infection. It is transmitted through the reuse of medical equipment, mainly syringes, needles and by transfusion of unscreened blood and blood products. It can also be transmitted sexually and can pass from an infected mother to baby. It cannot be spread through breast milk, water, food or by casual contact like hugging, sharing food or drinks and kissing with an infected person.

What is Hepatitis C Genotypes?

Hepatitis C genotypes are detected in individuals with chronic HCV infection. The type of genotype may differ from individuals. These genotypes are generated due to the mutations in the gene of hepatitis C virus. These viral mutations are mostly associated with drug resistance and are common in individuals receiving treatment with anti-virals. The replication of HCV may also cause the formation of Hepatitis C genotypes.

Why this test is performed?

This test is performed to check the presence of Hepatitis C genotypes in individuals with chronic HCV infection. It is recommended in individuals receiving treatment for Hepatitis C infection to monitor and evaluate the treatment response. This helps to know whether the treatment is working or not. Therefore, this test can be used to confirm the presence of Hepatitis C genotypes resulting from viral mutations. Thus, this test helps to select patient-specific therapy.

The test results may be vary depending on gender, age, health conditions, and stage of infection.

Hepatitis C genotypes are detected in the blood sample if there are mutations in the gene of hepatitis C virus. Hence there is a need to add or replace a drug in the current treatment regimen.

If Hepatitis C genotypes are not detected it may indicate the current treatment regimen is appropriate. However, this test is recommended to perform on a regular basis or as instructed by the doctor in individuals receiving anti-viral treatment for hepatitis C infection.

The report may also give an interpretation of the drugs that are resistant to the HCV and also the drugs that are susceptible to the HCV. This information can be explained to you by your doctor, hence consult your doctor with your test reports.