Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a single stranded RNA virus of the Flaviviridae family. HCV is now known to be the causative agent for most, if not all non A , non B hepatitis (NANBH). Antibodies to the hepatitis C encoded antigens are prevalent in the sera of HCV infected individuals. Detection of these antibodies indicates exposure to the Hepatitis C virus.
One Step Cassette Style ANTI-HCV Test is a rapid, direct binding test for the visual detection of hepatitis C antibodies (anti-HCV) in serum and whole blood. It is used as an aid in the diagnosis of hepatitis C infection. One Step ANTI-HCV Test is based on the principle of double antigen sandwich immunoassay for determination of anti-HCV in serum and whole blood. Purified recombinant antigens are employed to identify anti-HCV specifically.
This one step test is very sensitive and only takes 10-20 minutes for the result to be read. Test results are read visually without any instrument.
The One Step HCV Test can be run on serum or whole blood samples. The test works best on fresh samples. For serum, collect blood into a container without anticoagulant. Allow the blood to clot and separate the serum from the clot. Use the serum for testing.
If the specimen cannot be tested on the day of collection, store the serum specimen in a refrigerator (at 2 to 4°C) for up to 3 days. If testing cannot be done within 3 days, serum should be stored in a freezer (at -20°C or colder). Whole blood specimens cannot be frozen. Make sure to stir and bring the specimen to room temperature before testing. Do not freeze and thaw the specimen repeatedly.
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