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Hello doctor! I went to do a blood biochemical test for hepatitis C, the result showed that the auto-immune HCV index was 4.07 (Reactive). So the doctor asked me if the HCV index for automatic immunity is 4.07, do I have hepatitis C? I hope the doctor can help me. I would like to thank you.
Tran Thi Hue, 1986
Reply
Hello! HCV Ab also known as anti HCV stands for Hepatitis C virus antibody ie surface antibody. This is one of the highly sensitive tests, indispensable in diagnosing hepatitis C. The test works to find antibodies against hepatitis C virus in the blood. For the detection of specific antibodies (anti-HCV) to recombinant antigens, represent the most cost-effective method for HCV exposure determination. However, it is also not possible to distinguish recovered from active infection, or identify during the window period prior to seroconversion. Molecular-based testing is required to detect HCV RNA.
HCV Ab test for a positive HCV Ab index does not confirm the virus status in the body, but only determines whether the patient has ever been infected with the hepatitis C virus (has been exposed to HCV). Therefore, this test only screens for possible infection, not for the diagnosis of chronic infection. To get the most accurate results about the possibility of disease, it is necessary to do a quantitative test of HCV-RNA in the blood, if the result is negative, it means that the patient's body has eliminated the virus on its own. Positive means that the patient actually has hepatitis C and needs to be treated.
In my case, the HCV index for automatic immunity results is 4.07 (Reactive), then I review how much is the reference range on the test sheet (each machine has different reference ranges). If your index is higher than the reference range, you should consult a hepatobiliary specialist at one of the Vinmec Health System hospitals nationwide for advice as well as a quantitative test for HCV-RNA and accurately assess the status of hepatitis C virus infection
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Answered by Master, Doctor Ta Que Phuong - Gastroenterologist - Endoscopy - Department of General Internal Medicine - Vinmec Times City International Hospital
