Description:
The Hepatitis C Rapid Test is a quick and easy screening test used to detect Hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies in the blood, serum, or plasma. It provides results within 15–30 minutes and is commonly used for early detection and screening in healthcare settings and community outreach programs.
Key Points:
Detects HCV antibodies, indicating past or current infection.
A positive result suggests exposure to HCV but requires a confirmatory HCV RNA test to check for an active infection.
A negative result means no detectable HCV antibodies, but recent infections may not be detected immediately.
Used in hospitals, clinics, blood donation centers, and high-risk populations (e.g., IV drug users, people with multiple sexual partners).
Since hepatitis C can lead to chronic liver disease, early detection through rapid testing helps in timely medical intervention and treatment.