PCR detection of hepatitis B and C viruses

Do you have a reactive hepatitis C result, positive HBsAg or exposure to someone else’s blood? Blood PCR detection of hepatitis B and C viruses shows whether the virus is currently present in your body. This distinguishes active infection from one that resolved long ago or has been cured.

Who is this test for

• people with a reactive anti-HCVresult, to check whether infection is still present;
• people with positive HBsAg or anti-HBc antibodies when a doctor is assessing infection activity;
• after a risky exposure, such as a needlestick or unprotected sex with someone with hepatitis, when early detection matters;
• after hepatitis C treatment, to confirm cure;
• people with weakened immunity, for example those on dialysis, who may not produce antibodies.

What the test reveals

Antibodies show that the body has encountered the virus, but not whether it is still present. PCR looks for the virus’s own genetic material: hepatitis B virus DNA (HBV DNA) and hepatitis C virus RNA (HCV RNA). A positive result means the virus is currently in the blood.

Viral genetic material appears in blood before antibodies. HCV RNA is usually measurable one to two weeks after infection, whereas anti-HCV appears on average only after 8 to 11 weeks. Screening nevertheless starts with blood markers: HBsAg and anti-HBc for hepatitis B, and anti-HCV for hepatitis C. Read how they are interpreted in the article Hepatitis A, B and C markers.

The test and preparation

A venous blood sample is taken, and collection takes a few minutes. You do not need to fast or prepare specially. If you take medicines against hepatitis viruses or have recently finished them, mention this at blood collection.

After a needlestick or other exposure to someone else’s blood, do not wait for testing: contact a doctor or emergency department immediately, because hepatitis B and HIV protection should begin as early as possible, ideally within the first hours.

What your results mean

• Positive HCV RNA: hepatitis C infection is active. Hepatitis C can now be cured: direct-acting antiviral tablets are usually taken for two to three months and cure more than 95 % of patients. Treatment is supervised by an infectious disease specialist or gastroenterologist.
• Negative HCV RNA with reactive anti-HCV: usually means a resolved or cured infection and sometimes a falsely reactive antibody test. If exposure was recent, a doctor may recommend repeat testing.
• Positive HBV DNA: hepatitis B virus is present in blood. A doctor interprets the result alongside HBsAg, other markers and liver enzymes and decides on monitoring or treatment.
• Negative HBV DNA: the virus was not found in blood. In someone with positive HBsAg, this does not mean cure because the virus may remain in the liver even when undetectable in blood; the doctor continues monitoring.

A doctor always interprets the result alongside your risks, hepatitis markers and liver enzymes such as ALT.

How to arrange testing

You can come for blood collection without an appointment or referral at one of our branches throughout Croatia (listed on the Contactpage). Prices for all tests and panels are listed in the price list. Hepatitis B and C, alongside HIV, syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections, are also included in the STD15 Premium Panel.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between PCR and hepatitis markers?

Markers are antibodies and parts of the virus; they show whether you have encountered the virus and whether vaccination protects you. PCR detects the virus itself, showing whether infection is active now.

How soon after a risky contact can I have PCR?

Hepatitis C genetic material is usually measurable in blood one to two weeks after infection; hepatitis B genetic material appears several weeks after infection, usually slightly before HBsAg. If you test earlier, a doctor may recommend repeating it.

How is hepatitis C cure confirmed?

By HCV RNA testing after treatment is complete, most often 12 weeks after the last tablet. Anti-HCV remains positive after cure, so it is not used for follow-up.

Can I have hepatitis without knowing?

Yes. Hepatitis B and C may cause no symptoms for years while silently damaging the liver. Testing is therefore useful after any risk, even if you feel well.