Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). It is the most common blood-borne viral infection in the United States. Around 2.4 million people in the United States are living with a diagnosis of hepatitis C. However, many people with the infection do not know that they have it. Hepatitis C virus causes both acute and chronic infection. New HCV infections are usually asymptomatic. Some person’s get acute hepatitis which does not lead to a life-threatening disease. Around 30% (15-45%) of infected persons spontaneously clear the virus within 6months of infection without any treatment. The remaining 70% (55–85%) of persons will develop chronic HCV infection. Of those with chronic HCV infection, the risk of cirrhosis ranges between 15% and 30% within 20years.

The virus is spread by contact with contaminated blood; for example, from sharing needles or from unsterile tattoo equipment. Most people have no symptoms. Those who do develop symptoms may have fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite and yellowing of the eyes and skin.

Q-Line® Rapid HCV (3^rd generation) Antibody Test Kit is intended for the detection of antibodies against SARS CoV-2 in human plasma and serum. It is intended for screening blood donors before transfusion and the individuals at risk for HCV infection in a clinical lab setup.