The PCR Test - do I Still have Hepatitis C?
If you have had a positive antibody test (which confirms past contact with the Virus) you will need a PCR test to see if the virus is still in your blood or if your body has fought off the infection (as around 20% of people do).
When you get the results of a PCR test you should be given some form of post test discussion or consultation to explain the test results to you.
- The result will be either positive or negative
- If PCR positive you still have Hepatitis C and should be referred to a specialist
- If PCR negative you have cleared the virus and no longer have Hepatitis C
Things that should be discussed with you
- The implications of the results - positive or negative
- The fact that you are not immune to reinfection if the result was negative
- the need to prevent passing it on to others if the result was positive
- the need to refer you to a specialist if the result was positive
Information provided by the UK Hepatitis C Resource Centre
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