Testing to detect HCV RNA can help to identify active hepatitis C virus infection. It should only be used when there is a clear indication for its use.
The usual indication for HCV-RNA testing is to evaluate a patient with a positive HCV antibody test.
Indications for HCV RNA testing when the HCV antibody test is negative:
(1) recent exposure (less than 6 months)
(2) immunodeficiency with hypogammaglobulinemia and failure to produce antibody (HIV, other)
(3) clinical evidence of active HCV infection
(4) concern about the handling or storage of the specimen used for antibody testing (and presumably unable to get a new specimen)
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