Reverse transcriptase PCR quantitation of hepatitis C virus.
OBJECTIVE
To present a brief review of the diagnostic benefits of quantitating viral load for hepatitis C and how the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction is being used as an aid to better diagnose and manage the disease.


METHODS
Research articles about hepatitis C and the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, as well as data gathered by the authors.


METHODS
Performed by the authors.


METHODS
Performed by the authors.


RESULTS
Hepatitis C viral infection is a worldwide health problem, affecting about 100 million people worldwide. Numerous serological tests exist to detect antibodies to hepatitis C antigens, but some affected people fail to generate an immune response. Reactivity in the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction is definitive proof of hepatitis C infection. The titer of RNA indicates patient response to antiviral therapy. Measuring the presence and quantity of RNA by the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction has become an important aid for diagnosis and monitoring of hepatitis C infection.


CONCLUSIONS
The reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction method is a highly sensitive and accurate aid in diagnosing or confirming diagnosis of hepatitis C viral infection. This method is widely used to assess likelihood of patient response to therapy, and to monitor efficacy during therapy.
Robbins
D J
DJ
Quest Diagnostics, Van Nuys CA 91405, USA. David.Robbins@questdiagnostics.com
Pasupuleti
V
V
Cuan
J
J
Chiang
C S
CS
D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004247:DNA / Q000032:analysis; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D019562:Viral Load
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D012367:RNA, Viral; D004247:DNA