Eurofins Biomnis code

ARNCQ

Synonyms

• HCV - quantitative determination - viral load
• VIREMIE HCV
• HCV - quantitative determination - viral load

Clinic significance

[HCV belongs to the Flaviviridae family. It is responsible for hepatitis mainly of parenteral transmission. In France, we estimate that at least 600,000 people are infected. Acute infection is often silent or atypical, it becomes chronic in more than 50% of cases. Among the latter, 1 in 5 will develop cirrhosis that can degenerate into hepatocellular carcinoma.
HCV infection is a global public health problem.
Diagnosis is initially serological. A positive screening reaction should be confirmed on a new sample with a different test to that used in the first one (ELISA technique of different commercial origin). The RIBA test is only of limited practical usefulness. Testing for viral replication confirms the diagnosis. Quantification of the viral load by PCR may provide an indication of whether to commence treatment and provide follow-up. Elimination of viral RNA under treatment can be used to judge the efficacy of the latter. Identifying the viral genotype is useful for assessing the potential efficacy of the therapy and adjust the type and doses of drugs administered. Indeed, it is recognised that the chances of success are lower when it is of the 1b genotype.

Prenalytics

• 2.5 mL
• Serum or Heparin plasma
• FROZEN

Further information

• 1 individual aliquot for this analysis.

Methodology

Real Time TMA

Turnaround time

4 days