Information about HCV genotyping
Hepatitis C genotype-Hepatitis C for Patients
The hepatitis C genotype is a type or "strain" of hepatitis C virus. There are 6 genotypes of hepatitis C around the world. In the United States, 3 genotypes are common:
- Genotype 1
- Genotype 2
- Genotype 3
These can be further specified as:
- Genotype 1a or 1b
- Genotype 2a or 2b or 2c
- Genotype 3a or 3b
A person's hepatitis C genotype does not change over time. It needs to be tested only once. If you are treated for hepatitis C, your genotype will determine your treatment plan, such as which medications are prescribed and how long the treatment will be.
What is hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is a disease that affects your liver. It is caused by a virus called the hepatitis C virus, or HCV for short. Approximately 2.4 million people in the United States are thought to have hepatitis C.
The symptoms of hepatitis C infection are often very mild. Most people can carry the virus for years without any symptoms. The most common symptoms are vague abdominal discomfort, fatigue, and joint pains. Patients with hepatitis C can develop complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer without any warning symptoms.
Finally, because it stays in your body, you can give hepatitis C to someone else.
Medications can cure hepatitis C in most people, so early diagnosis and treatment is recommended to prevent progression to cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer.
Should I get tested?
All adults age 18-79 should be tested for hepatitis C. Talk to your VA provider about risk factors that may require more regular screening.
The hepatitis C test is available for all Veterans enrolled in VA health care. See the printable HCV testing handout for information about getting tested at a VA facility (locate a VA health care facility near you.)
What Tests Do I Need?
Hepatitis C testing involves a single blood test that looks for the hepatitis C antibody. If this test is positive, the sample is tested to see if there is any live virus. If there is live virus, then hepatitis C infection is confirmed.
If this test is positive, you have chronic hepatitis C and should talk to your provider about treatment. Treatments for hepatitis C can cure most people in 8 weeks.
If you test negative, you are at risk of contracting hepatitis C. Protect yourself by reducing your risks of getting hepatitis C:
- Don't inject or snort illicit drugs. If you do, talk with your provider about trying to stop. If you can't stop, never share your syringes, needles or drug paraphernalia with anyone else.
- Always practice safer sex. Use a latex barrier, such as a condom every time you have sex. Using condoms also reduces your chances of getting sexually transmitted diseases.
- Do not use anyone else's razor, toothbrush, or other personal care items.
How long does it take to test positive?
If you've been exposed to hepatitis C, it takes about 1-2 weeks for viral particles (called HCV RNA) to be found. Liver function tests also tend to rise during this timeframe. Hepatitis C antibodies appear after RNA is detectable and can take 3-12 weeks to appear.
Just Diagnosed
Hepatitis C is an infectious virus that can be spread from one person to another by coming in contact with infected blood. Most of those infected will not have symptoms from the virus and often do not feel sick until later stages of the disease.
Finding out you have hepatitis C can be scary at first. If you are feeling overwhelmed after you are diagnosed, try to remember that there is help and these feelings should get better over time.
The good news is:
- Treatments are available that have extremely high success rates, with most people cured of hepatitis C after about 12 weeks of treatment.
- Over half of those infected with hepatitis C will never have symptoms or problems associated with the infection.
- Getting in touch with a health care team that knows how to treat the disease can help you feel better and move on with your life.
- YOU ARE NOT ALONE. The CDC estimates that nearly 2.4 million Americans are living with hepatitis C
Interpretation of Results of Tests for Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Infection and Further Actions
Test Outcome | Interpretation | Further actions |
---|---|---|
HCV antibody nonreactive |
No HCV antibody detected |
Sample can be reported as nonreactive for HCV antibody. No further action required. If recent exposure in person tested is suspected, test for HCV RNA.* |
HCV antibody reactive |
Presumptive HCV infection |
A repeatedly reactive result is consistent with current HCV infection, or past HCV infection that has resolved, or biologic false positivity for HCV antibody. Test for HCV RNA to identify current infection. |
HCV antibody reactive, HCV RNA detected |
Current HCV infection |
Provide person tested with appropriate counseling and link person tested to care and treatment.† |
HCV antibody reactive, HCV RNA not detected |
No current HCV infection |
No further action required in most cases. If distinction between true positivity and biologic false positivity for HCV antibody is desired, and if sample is repeatedly reactive in the initial test, test with another HCV antibody assay. In certain situations,§ follow up with HCV RNA testing and appropriate counseling. |
* If HCV RNA testing is not feasible and person tested is not immunocompromised, do follow-up testing for HCV antibody to demonstrate seroconversion. If the person tested is immunocompromised, consider testing for HCV RNA.
† It is recommended before initiating antiviral therapy to retest for HCV RNA in a subsequent blood sample to confirm HCV RNA positivity.
§ If the person tested is suspected of having HCV exposure within the past 6 months, or has clinical evidence of HCV disease, or if there is concern regarding the handling or storage of the test specimen.