what is viral load assay
Viral load. Hepatitis C. The viral load of hepatitis C refers to the amount of virus present in the bloodstream. A viral load test is usually measured with the hepatitis C RNA quantitative test; a blood sample will be taken by needle from a vein in your arm. Viral load tests are often used with hepatitis C treatment to help determine response to treatment by comparing the amount of virus in your blood before, during, and after treatment. If you have lower levels of virus in your blood when you start treatment, you may have a better chance of getting rid of the virus.