Hepatitis C - Disease Fact Sheet Series (Page 2 of 2) in pdf

Are there sensitive and specific tests for diagnosing hepatitis C?

There are several blood tests that can be done to diagnose HCV infection. The enzyme immunoassay

(EIA) is usually done first. The recombinant immunoblot assay (RIBA) is a supplemental test used to

confirm a positive EIA test. Both the EIA and the RIBA detect anti-HCV in serum or plasma. Anti-HCV

does not tell whether the infection is new (acute), chronic (long-term) or is no longer present.

The presence or absence of virus (HCV RNA) in the blood is detected with qualitative reverse

transcriptase polymerase chain reaction test (RT-PCR). PCR and other tests to directly detect virus

are not yet licensed but are widely used in clinical practice. A single positive PCR test indicates

infection with HCV. A single negative PCR test does not prove that a person is not infected. Virus may

be present in the blood and not found by PCR. Also, a person infected in the past who has recovered

may have a negative test. When hepatitis C is suspected and the PCR is negative, the PCR should be

repeated 6 months later.

How can the spread of HCV be prevented?

Persons who are infected with HCV should take the following precautions to prevent transmitting

hepatitis C:

•

Do not donate blood, body organs, semen (sperm), ova, or other tissue.

•

Do not share toothbrushes, razors or other sharp personal care articles.

•

Cover cuts and open sores.

•

Do not share needles or works with others and use only clean needles and works. Staff in a

public health department can provide information on how to obtain clean needles, e.g., through

needle exchange or a local pharmacy, and how to enter a drug treatment program.

•

The rate of transmission of HCV between regular sexual partners is low. Partners who want to

lower the chance of transmitting HCV should use latex condoms.

Persons having sex with multiple partners should use a latex condom correctly every time to prevent

the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases to susceptible partners.

DEVELOPED BY THE DIVISION OF PUBLIC HEALTH, BUREAU OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASE

COMMUNICABLE DISEASE EPIDEMIOLOGY SECTION

P-42056 (Rev. 05/04)

Hepatitis C - Disease Fact Sheet Series Page 2