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HCV Viral Load & Genotype Tests: RNA Monitoring Panels
Quantitative HCV RNA and genotype panels for tracking an active hepatitis C infection with your care team.
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Quantitative HCV RNA testing $159.86 (regularly $204.95) and genotype testing $178.58 (regularly $228.95) at time of writing; combined antibody + RNA panels from $39.74.
At a glance
HCV viral load testing measures the amount of hepatitis C RNA circulating in your blood, and genotype testing identifies which strain of the virus you carry. These panels are for people who have already had a reactive HCV antibody screen, or a confirmed active infection, and are working with a doctor to track viral load over time, evaluate therapy response, or gather genotype information for therapy planning.
Best suited for
- People with a reactive HCV antibody result who need quantitative RNA testing to check for an active infection
- Anyone with confirmed chronic hepatitis C tracking viral load trends in coordination with their doctor
- Patients whose physician has asked for HCV genotype information to support therapy planning
- People on antiviral therapy who want current viral load numbers to bring to follow-up appointments
- Anyone monitoring liver function markers such as ALT and AST alongside an active HCV infection
What's included
Hepatitis C Viral RNA Quantitative Test
Measures HCV viral load to flag active infection and track therapy response; also known as the HCV RNA, hepatitis C viral load, or HCV PCR test
Hepatitis C Viral RNA Genotype Lipa Test
Analyzes viral RNA to determine the HCV genotype, which varies in therapy response and prognosis
Hepatitis C Antibody and RNA Test Panel
Combines antibody screening with quantitative PCR viral load measurement (2 tests, 4 biomarkers)
Hepatitis C Antibody, HCV RNA & Liver Panel
RNA and antibody testing paired with liver function markers (2 tests, 12 biomarkers)
Hepatitis C Antibody & Liver Function Panel
HCV antibody with reflex to quantitative HCV RNA PCR, plus a full liver function panel including ALT, AST, and bilirubin
Deep-dive the key markers: ALT
Key biomarker ranges
Commonly used adult reference ranges for markers this panel measures, labs vary, so always interpret results against your lab's stated ranges and with your doctor.
Commonly used cutoffs place ALT below roughly 30–40 U/L, with slightly lower thresholds often cited for women; recent exercise and alcohol can raise results.
| Zone | Range |
|---|---|
| Optimal | 0–30 U/L |
| Borderline high | 30–50 U/L |
| High | 50–100 U/L |
The importance of testing
Once a hepatitis C antibody screen comes back reactive, the next questions are different: is the infection active, how much virus is present, and which strain is it? The quantitative HCV RNA (PCR) test answers the first two by measuring viral load directly. A high viral load indicates significant viral replication, while lower or undetectable levels suggest effective therapy or a controlled infection, trends your doctor will interpret across repeat tests.
The HCV genotype (Lipa) test analyzes viral RNA to determine which strain of hepatitis C is present. Genotyping matters because HCV strains vary in therapy response and prognosis, so this result supports therapy planning and helps your doctor tailor the approach for chronic hepatitis C.
Because chronic HCV is associated with liver stress over time, combined panels add liver function markers, ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, albumin, globulin, and total protein, alongside RNA results. Tracking viral load and liver markers together gives you and your physician a more complete view of how things are trending between appointments.
These tests do not replace your care team. Use them to arrive at appointments with current numbers in hand, and review every result, detectable or not, with your doctor before drawing conclusions.
Promo code
ULTADBBASave 20% with code ULTADBBA, current promotion; confirm final pricing on the partner page.
Ready to get your numbers? Order online, visit a nearby draw site, and receive private results to review with your doctor.
Order NowFrequently asked questions
What does an HCV viral load test measure?
An HCV viral load test measures the amount of hepatitis C virus RNA in your blood, expressed as a quantitative result. It flags whether an infection is currently active and how much viral replication is occurring, which is why doctors use it to confirm infection after a reactive antibody screen and to track response to antiviral therapy over time.
What does an undetectable HCV viral load mean?
An undetectable viral load means the test could not find measurable HCV RNA in your blood sample, which can suggest effective therapy or a controlled infection. Interpretation depends on timing and therapy history, so always review the result with your doctor rather than taking a single undetectable reading as a final answer.
Why does the hepatitis C genotype matter?
The genotype matters because HCV strains vary in how they respond to therapy and in long-term prognosis. The genotype Lipa test analyzes viral RNA to identify your strain, giving your doctor key information for therapy planning and for monitoring chronic hepatitis C.
Can I order HCV RNA and genotype tests without a doctor's visit?
Yes, these tests can be ordered online through the partner lab without scheduling a doctor's visit first, with sample collection at a local draw location. Because viral load and genotype results directly inform care decisions, share them with the physician managing your care.
Is HCV viral load testing available in every US state?
No, direct-to-consumer lab testing is restricted or prohibited in New York, New Jersey, and Rhode Island, so residents of those states may be blocked at the partner's checkout. Residents of other US states can typically order online and visit a local patient service center for the blood draw.
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