Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) Qualitative PCR Test
Short Name: HEV Qualitative PCR
Also known as: HEV RNA PCR Test, Hepatitis E PCR Test, HEV Qualitative RNA Test, Hepatitis E Virus Nucleic Acid Detection, HEV RT-PCR Test
Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) Qualitative PCR Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹6,000. Uses Real-Time PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) on Serum or Plasma samples. Results in Sample accepted on Monday and Thursday by 11:00 AM. Reports available on Wednesday and Saturday. Digital reports are delivered via online portal, email, and WhatsApp.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
🩺 Medically Reviewed By
Dr Kothari Ramesh Shantilal
Consultant Microbiologist · Reg: 27670
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026
Overview
The purpose of the HEV Qualitative PCR Test is to detect the presence of Hepatitis E virus RNA in the blood, confirming an active infection. This test is used for early diagnosis of Hepatitis E, differentiating it from other causes of viral hepatitis, monitoring infection in immunocompromised patients, and guiding clinical management. It is especially critical for pregnant women and immunosuppressed individuals where HEV can lead to severe or chronic liver disease.
- Test Code
- 734
- CPT Code
- 87798
- ICD Code
- B17.2
- Price
- ₹6,000
- Sample Type
- Serum or Plasma
- Result Time
- Sample accepted on Monday and Thursday by 11:00 AM. Reports available on Wednesday and Saturday. Digital reports are delivered via online portal, email, and WhatsApp.
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- Real-Time PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT)
Sample Collection
No special preparation, fasting, or dietary restrictions are required before sample collection. Inform your healthcare provider about any medications, especially antiviral drugs, that you are currently taking.
Method: Venipuncture
Laboratory Analysis
A blood sample of approximately 2 ml will be drawn from a vein in your arm (venipuncture). The procedure is quick and typically causes minimal discomfort, similar to a standard blood draw. The area will be cleaned with an antiseptic wipe before needle insertion.
Report Delivery
After blood collection, slight bruising or soreness at the puncture site may occur and typically resolves within a day. No special post-collection care is needed. The plasma or serum will be separated aseptically within 4 hours of collection and shipped refrigerated or frozen to the laboratory.
Timeline: Sample accepted on Monday and Thursday by 11:00 AM. Reports available on Wednesday and Saturday. Digital reports are delivered via online portal, email, and WhatsApp.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
The purpose of the HEV Qualitative PCR Test is to detect the presence of Hepatitis E virus RNA in the blood, confirming an active infection. This test is used for early diagnosis of Hepatitis E, differentiating it from other causes of viral hepatitis, monitoring infection in immunocompromised patients, and guiding clinical management. It is especially critical for pregnant women and immunosuppressed individuals where HEV can lead to severe or chronic liver disease.
How to Prepare
- Collect 2 ml (1 ml minimum) serum from 1 SST (Serum Separator Tube) OR 2 ml (1 ml minimum) plasma from 1 Lavender top (EDTA) tube
- Separate plasma or serum aseptically within 4 hours of collection
- Ship the sample refrigerated or frozen to maintain RNA integrity
- Label the sample correctly with patient details, date, and time of collection
- Avoid using heparinized tubes as heparin can inhibit PCR reactions
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Kothari Ramesh Shantilal — MBBS, MD (Microbiology) · Reg. No. 27670
"HEV Qualitative PCR is the gold-standard molecular test for confirming active Hepatitis E infection. It directly detects viral RNA in blood, enabling diagnosis even during the early window period before antibodies develop. This test is particularly critical for pregnant women, immunocompromised patients, and individuals presenting with acute jaundice in endemic regions. Early detection allows timely clinical management and reduces the risk of severe complications, including fulminant hepatic failure."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Hemolyzed samples
- Samples collected in heparinized tubes
- Insufficient sample volume (less than 1 ml)
- Samples not separated within 4 hours of collection
- Unlabeled or mislabeled samples
- Samples received at room temperature after prolonged transit
Understanding Your Results
Detected
HEV RNA is present in the blood, confirming active Hepatitis E infection. Clinical correlation with symptoms (jaundice, fever, fatigue, nausea) and liver function tests is recommended. Pregnant women and immunocompromised patients require urgent clinical evaluation and monitoring.
Not Detected
HEV RNA is not detected in the blood sample. This may indicate no active HEV infection, or the viral load may be below the detection threshold. If clinical suspicion remains high, repeat testing after a few days or HEV IgM antibody testing may be recommended.
Consult your doctor immediately if you experience jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes), persistent fever, severe fatigue, nausea, vomiting, dark urine, pale stools, or abdominal pain. Pregnant women with suspected hepatitis symptoms should seek urgent medical attention. Immunocompromised individuals with liver enzyme abnormalities should also consult their physician promptly for HEV evaluation.
Limitations
- ⚠This is a qualitative test; it does not quantify the viral load. For viral load measurement, a quantitative HEV PCR test is required.
- ⚠A negative result does not completely rule out HEV infection if the viral load is below the assay detection threshold or if the sample was collected very early or very late in the infection course.
- ⚠The test detects HEV RNA and cannot differentiate between different HEV genotypes without further sequencing.
- ⚠Clinical correlation with serological markers (HEV IgM and IgG antibodies), liver function tests, and patient history is recommended for comprehensive diagnosis.
- ⚠Results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare professional in the context of clinical findings.
Risks & Considerations
- ●Minor bruising or soreness at the blood draw site
- ●Slight risk of infection at the puncture site (extremely rare)
- ●Fainting or lightheadedness during blood draw (rare)
Interfering Factors
- ●Hemolyzed blood samples may interfere with PCR amplification and affect result accuracy
- ●Improper sample storage or delayed processing may degrade viral RNA, leading to false-negative results
- ●Prior antiviral treatment may reduce viral load below the detection limit
- ●Collection in incorrect anticoagulant or use of heparinized tubes may inhibit PCR reaction
- ●Bacterial contamination of the sample may interfere with molecular analysis
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) Qualitative PCR Test | HEV IgM Antibody Test | HEV Qualitative PCR Test |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) Qualitative PCR Test |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) Qualitative PCR Test?
What is the cost of the HEV Qualitative PCR Test at DNA Labs India?
Who should get the HEV Qualitative PCR Test done?
Is fasting required before the HEV PCR Test?
What sample is required for the HEV Qualitative PCR Test?
How long does it take to get the HEV PCR Test results?
What does a positive (Detected) HEV PCR result mean?
What does a negative (Not Detected) HEV PCR result mean?
Is the HEV PCR Test more accurate than the HEV antibody test?
Is free home sample collection available for the HEV PCR Test?
Can Hepatitis E become a chronic infection?
Why is the HEV PCR Test particularly important for pregnant women?
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