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Author Topic: New rapid test for hep C?  (Read 16872 times)

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Offline dot3434

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New rapid test for hep C?
« on: November 29, 2011, 01:58:39 pm »
I saw something in the paper this morning about a new hep c rapid test coming to my doc office. is this true? i thought diagnosis with hep c was long and drawn out with a liver test needed to now for sure. would be grt if you could get a quick test.

Offline iana5252

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Re: New rapid test for hep C?
« Reply #1 on: December 01, 2011, 10:24:16 am »
OraQuick HCV Test Gets Clearance for Wider Use
http://www.hepmag.com/articles/oraquick_hcv_test_2501_20756.shtml

Good news for doctor’s offices, outreach clinics and community-based organizations looking to use OraSure Technologies’ rapid test for hepatitis C virus (HCV): The test has been granted a CLIA waiver, meaning that its use is no longer limited to professionals who have received laboratory certification from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services...

Offline Ann

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Re: New rapid test for hep C?
« Reply #2 on: December 05, 2011, 11:42:25 am »
i thought diagnosis with hep c was long and drawn out with a liver test needed to now for sure. would be grt if you could get a quick test.

This rapid test only tests for antibodies and a negative result will rule hep C out.

However, with a positive result the patient will still be subject to further testing to determine whether the virus has cleared on its own, or if it is an active infection. Further testing involves PCR testing to look for the virus itself.

I'm assuming by "liver test" you mean liver biopsy? Biopsy is usually only preformed once a diagnosis of active infection has been confirmed. Biopsy looks at the health of the liver, it doesn't look at the virus.

By the way, this is great news. Hopefully it will increase the numbers of people getting tested. Hep C is such a silent disease in that so many have no idea they have it.
« Last Edit: December 05, 2011, 11:46:59 am by Ann »

Offline dot3434

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Re: New rapid test for hep C?
« Reply #3 on: December 05, 2011, 04:53:50 pm »
Thanks all.

new question. whats a pcr test? is that just done with blood too? why not combine?

Offline Ann

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Re: New rapid test for hep C?
« Reply #4 on: December 06, 2011, 12:50:51 pm »
PCR stands for Polymerase Chain Reaction. PCR testing looks for genetic material and in this case, it looks for genetic material belonging to the hep C virus. And yes, it is a blood test.

There are no rapid PCR testing kits. It's too complicated a procedure for that. This is why rapid antibody testing and PCR testing cannot be combined in one do-it-all test.

Offline dot3434

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Re: New rapid test for hep C?
« Reply #5 on: December 06, 2011, 02:55:39 pm »
thank you for that great answer. i feel so knowledgable now!

Offline Ann

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Re: New rapid test for hep C?
« Reply #6 on: December 06, 2011, 08:59:53 pm »
You are very much welcome.

 


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