HCV - RAPID CARD

The test is recommended for individuals at higher risk of hepatitis C, including those receiving blood transfusions or organ transplants before 1992, with a history of sharing needles, healthcare workers exposed to blood, or individuals with unexplained liver issues. It’s also used in settings where rapid screening is needed, like community health programs.

Having a positive result indicates the presence of HCV antibodies, suggesting a past or current infection. However, it does not confirm an active infection. Your healthcare provider will likely recommend a confirmatory test, such as a nucleic acid test (PCR), to detect viral RNA and assess whether the virus is still active, guiding further treatment decisions.

Unfortunately, the HCV rapid card test only detects antibodies, which indicate exposure to the virus but not necessarily an active infection. Some people clear the virus naturally, while others develop chronic infection. A follow-up PCR test is needed for confirmation of whether the virus is still present and active in your body.

The HCV rapid card test is a point-of-care screening tool that detects antibodies without requiring laboratory equipment, unlike laboratory-based tests like ELISA, which also detect antibodies but take longer. Confirmatory tests, such as PCR, detect viral RNA to confirm active infection, offering greater specificity than the rapid card test.

HCV rapid card test at home or your nearest location can be possible by collection of samples with home collection facility. The home collection facility enables you to get HCV rapid card test near your preferred area or location and is convenient and easy.