HCV (Tridot)

Function

The HCV (Tridot) test is a rapid visual antigen-antibody immunoassay used for the qualitative detection of antibodies to the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) in human serum or plasma. It utilizes a flow-through technology where specific HCV antigens are immobilized on a membrane. When a patient's sample passes through, if antibodies against HCV are present, they bind to these antigens, creating a visible dot after the addition of a protein-A conjugate.

Why it is Ordered

This test is primarily ordered as a screening tool for individuals at risk of Hepatitis C infection. This includes people with history of intravenous drug use, recipients of blood transfusions before 1992, healthcare workers exposed to needle sticks, or individuals with unexplained elevations in liver enzymes (ALT/AST). Because HCV is often asymptomatic for decades (the 'silent killer'), screening is vital for preventing progressive liver damage.

Associated Conditions

• Chronic Hepatitis C: Long-term inflammation of the liver which can lead to permanent scarring.
• Liver Cirrhosis: Extensive scarring of liver tissue that impairs function.
• Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC): A primary type of liver cancer highly associated with chronic HCV infection.
• Cryoglobulinemia: A condition where abnormal proteins in the blood thicken in cold temperatures, often triggered by HCV.

Limitations

It is important to note that a 'Reactive' Tridot result indicates the presence of antibodies, meaning the person was infected at some point. However, it does not distinguish between an active, current infection and a resolved past infection. A positive screening must always be followed by an HCV RNA PCR test to confirm the presence of the virus itself.