difference

[ina22]

what is the difference between HCV antibody test and HCV antibody with reflex to RIBA test? how much do they cost?

[Bill1954]

Or, you can read through the site that FlGuy linked :o)

[Bill1954]

Ina, the antibody test is used for routine Hep C screening; if you were previously exposed to the virus, your immune response would have developed antibodies against it. This is relatively inexpensive, but has its faults; there are false positive results associated with these tests.

‘Reflex to RIBA’ indicates that if, and only if the antibody test results are positive, then an ‘HCV RIBA’ test will be run, using the same sample of blood. The RIBA test will confirm exposure with a high degree of specificity; however, if the RIBA result is positive, it doesn’t provide enough data for conclusive diagnosis. The RIBA test is moderately more expensive than the antibody test alone.

Diagnosis requires a ‘HCV RNA by PCR’ test; this checks for the presence of active RNA virus. About 15-20% of patients that are antibody positive will be negative for HCV RNA; in this group of patients, their immune response was sufficient to clear the virus spontaneously. The HCV RNA by PCR test can cost between USD $250-600; depending on which type is ordered.

Best of luck to you—

Bill

[FlGuy]

Think of the word "reflex" as "if this is the result, do this next".  Ther term crops up in a variety of medical tests.

For a better explanation of the tests you refer to:

http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/hepatitis_c/test.html