Clinical value of combined detection of hepatitis C virus antibody and core antigen

Objective To discuss the clinical application value of combined detection of hepatitis C virus antibody and core antigen(HCV-cAg).Methods Serum sample were combined tested for HCV antibody and HCV-cAg by enzyme-linked immnosorbent assy(ELISA)kit,then the results were compared with those detected by fluores-cent quantitation PCR for hepatitis C virus ribonucleic acid(HCV-RNA).Results Among the 157 patients,149 were positive for HCV-Ab,99 positive for HCV-cAg and 115 for HCV-RNA.Respectively:5 patients who were negative for HCV antibody and positive for HCV-cAg were confirmed to be HCV infection by HCV-RNA.154 patients were positive for HCV antibody or HCV-cAg,the other 3 were excluded from HCV infection.Conclusion Combined detection of HCV antibody and HCV-cAS can improve the detection rate of HCV infection,avoid omission effectively,and is suitable for promotion in common medical institutions. Key words: HCV core antigen; HCV antibody; HCV—RNA