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Medical information Clinical review pending

Genetic Testing

Hepatitis C Viral RNA HCV RNA Quantitative Real Time PCR Test

Detects and measures the amount of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the blood using Quantitative Real Time PCR. Essential for diagnosis, monitoring treatment, and assessing infection stage.

General information only: This page is not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. A qualified clinician should decide whether testing is appropriate and interpret results in context.

Review status: No completed medical review is recorded for this page.

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Counselor guidance included Confidential handling Kenya-wide coordination

At a glance

Plan your test

Sample
3 mL (2 mL minimum) serum from 2 Serum Separator Tubes (SST) OR 3 mL (2 mL minimum) plasma from 2 Lavender Top (EDTA) tubes. Serum or plasma must be separated aseptically within 2 hours of collection.
Results
Reports are typically available on Thursday or Monday, provided the sample is received by Tuesday or Friday by 11 AM. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
A 12-hour fast is recommended before sample collection. Confirm specific requirements with the laboratory before booking.
Test priceKSh 10,530

Payment: M-Pesa and card options can be confirmed during booking.

Insurance & government schemes

Is this test covered for you?

We help you verify whether the Hepatitis C Viral RNA HCV RNA Quantitative Real Time PCR Test test can be claimed against your insurer, employer scheme or a Kenyan government health scheme — before you book. Coverage depends on your plan, clinical indication and your provider's rules; final approval always rests with them.

Talk to a claims advisor

Providers & schemes we can help you check

Government & public schemes

SHIF — Social Health Insurance Fund Linda Mama EduAfya NHIF (legacy cards)

Eligibility and benefits follow the current rules of the Social Health Authority (SHA) and applicable government programmes.

Private insurers & employer schemes

Jubilee Health AAR APA Britam CIC Madison Resolution Pioneer Minet Old Mutual GA Life Heritage + other licensed insurers

Names shown for identification only — listing does not imply partnership or guarantee of coverage.

Have these ready when we check

  • Insurer or scheme name & policy / member number
  • A clinician's request / prescription for the test
  • Pre-authorisation letter, if your plan requires one

Free coverage check

Ask us to verify your cover

Send your details and our claims team confirms what documents you need and whether pre-authorisation applies — usually the same working day.

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Used only to process your coverage check — see our Privacy Policy. Verification support is free and does not guarantee your provider will pay.

01

Start with fit

Is this the right test for you?

The best test starts with a clear clinical question. These are common reasons a clinician or family may consider this test.

  • ✓Symptoms suggestive of Hepatitis C (e.g., fatigue, jaundice, abdominal pain).
  • ✓History of risk factors (e.g., IV drug use, blood transfusions before 1992).
  • ✓Monitoring response to Hepatitis C treatment.
  • ✓Patients with unexplained liver enzyme elevations.
  • ✓Screening individuals at high risk for HCV infection.
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test is used to diagnose Hepatitis C infection, determine the viral load (amount of virus in the blood), monitor the effectiveness of antiviral treatment, and assess the risk of liver damage.
The Hepatitis C Viral RNA HCV RNA Quantitative Real Time PCR Test is a crucial diagnostic tool used to detect and measure the amount of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the blood. This test is essential for diagnosing Hepatitis C, monitoring treatment effectiveness, and determining the stage of the infection. It quantifies the viral load, providing valuable information about the infection's severity and progression. The test uses the Real Time PCR method, known for its accuracy and reliability in detecting viral RNA. Understanding your viral load helps healthcare providers make informed decisions about your care.
03

Medical review status

Clinical review pending

A completed medical review is not recorded for this page. No clinician has endorsed the information shown here. Please discuss testing decisions with a qualified healthcare professional.

Meet the DNA Labs Kenya medical team →
04

A simple process

What happens next?

You do not have to navigate the test alone. We help you move from question to next step.

1

Speak with us

We check the test and answer your questions before collection.

2

Give your sample

Choose home collection or a coordinated hub visit in Kenya. We explain whether this test uses a cheek swab or blood draw.

3

Understand your report

A counselor helps you understand the result and the next steps.

05

Choose your collection

Home collection or a lab visit

We will explain the sample, preparation, and next steps before anything is collected.

Home collection

Choose a coordinated visit at home or another convenient location. Our team confirms the appointment and sample requirements in advance.

Lab or hub visit

Prefer to visit a coordinated location? We can guide you to the right hub and explain what to expect when you arrive.

Ask about locations →
PreparationA 12-hour fast is recommended before sample collection. Confirm specific requirements with the laboratory before booking.
Sample3 mL (2 mL minimum) serum from 2 Serum Separator Tubes (SST) OR 3 mL (2 mL minimum) plasma from 2 Lavender Top (EDTA) tubes. Serum or plasma must be separated aseptically within 2 hours of collection.
MethodologyQuantitative Real Time PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction).
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
This test detects HCV RNA. Results should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical findings and other relevant tests. False negatives can occur if the viral load is below the test's detection limit. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
06

Read your report

What common result terms mean

PositiveA finding was identified. Your clinician or counselor will explain what it means for your care.
NegativeThe specific finding tested for was not identified. It does not rule out every possible cause.
VUSA variant was found, but current evidence is not enough to classify it. Your counselor can explain follow-up.
07

Questions people ask

Frequently asked questions

This test detects and measures the amount of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA in your blood.
Measuring the viral load helps determine the severity of the infection, guides treatment decisions, and monitors how well treatment is working.
Yes, a 12-hour fast is recommended. Please confirm specific requirements with the laboratory.
Results are typically available on Thursday or Monday, assuming the sample is received by Tuesday or Friday by 11 AM. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Discuss your results with your healthcare provider. They can interpret the findings in the context of your overall health and medical history.
While it can be used, antibody tests are often the first step for screening. This test is primarily used for diagnosis, monitoring, and assessing viral load.
08

Collaboration

Open for partnership with hospitals, clinics, doctors & researchers

Whether you are referring patients, building a research programme or supporting students, we work as an extension of your team — with responsive communication and clear scientific standards.

Hospitals & clinics

Referral pathways, coordinated sample logistics and shared reporting that fits your clinical workflow.

Doctors & specialists

LOINC-coded reports, ACMG-based variant classification and a direct scientific line for complex cases.

Research institutions

Sanger sequencing, NGS panels and custom assays — with project design support, batch pricing and agreed turnaround commitments.

Students & academic projects

Discounted laboratory services for college, master's and PhD research projects — including proposal guidance and cost-effective batch testing.

Explore partnerships
09

Trust & transparency

Sources, standards & how this page is maintained

Standards & references

  • ACMG/AMP technical standards for sequence variant interpretation
  • ClinGen curation and gene–disease validity frameworks where applicable
  • LOINC-coded reporting for interoperable results
  • ISO 9001:2015 quality management; ISO 15189 accreditation in progress

Page provenance

  • Last updated: September 27, 2026
  • Medical review: not yet completed
  • Written for patients & clinicians in Kenya; reviewed periodically against current guidance

Medical disclaimer: this page is general information, not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. Testing decisions and result interpretation should be made with a qualified healthcare professional.

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