Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Antibody

Also known as Hepatitis C Virus Antibody, Screening, Anti-HCV, HCV-Ab

₹1468~~₹1600~~ 8% Off

You need to provide

Blood

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

No special preparation is required.

Understanding Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Antibody

What is Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Antibody?

The Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Antibody test is used to detect antibodies to the hepatitis C virus (HCV) in blood. This test plays a crucial role in screening of HCV infection. It helps determine whether an individual has a current, recent (acute) or past hepatitis C infection and monitor treatment response.

Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). The common symptoms of a recent HCV infection include fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, abdominal pain, dark urine, light-colored stools, joint pain, and jaundice (yellowing of skin and the whites of the eyes). Hepatitis C spreads when you come in contact with the blood, open wounds, or body fluids of an infected person. It can also spread through sexual contact; by sharing needles, syringes, or any drug-injection equipment; due to the transfusion with infected blood; or from a mother to the child during birth.

When your body is infected with HCV, it makes antibodies to fight the virus. The Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Antibody test looks for antibodies that the body makes in response to the presence of HCV. Following HCV infection, it usually takes at least 6–8 weeks for the body to develop enough antibodies to be measured in a screening test.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Antibody test for people who are at an increased risk of this infection, have come in contact with an already infected person, or show any of the symptoms of an HCV infection. This test is used to determine whether you have been infected by the hepatitis C virus. Usually, no special preparation is needed for this test. You may eat and drink as per your daily routine.

The Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Antibody test is only an initial screening test for detecting HCV antibodies. If this test is positive, more specific tests like HCV RNA, should be performed to confirm HCV infection. The Centre for Disease Control (CDC) recommends using these supplemental tests (like HCV RNA) to distinguish between true and false positives. If both the initial test and the confirmatory test are positive, it indicates an active HCV infection. A negative result generally means there is no infection, but it does not preclude the possibility of HCV infection especially in individuals with weak immune systems

Lab test results may vary across laboratories. The Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Antibody utilizes an automated chemiluminescence immunoassay technology for the detection of specific antibodies to HCV. The technology (CMIA/ CLIA) can vary based on different machines available in different locations. Do not self-medicate at home solely based on these results and always consult a doctor for proper understanding of the test results.

What is Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Antibody used for?

The Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Antibody test is done:

To screen for hepatitis C infection if you have been exposed to HCV or show symptoms associated with liver disease.
To screen for hepatitis C infection if you have risk factors for developing an HCV infection.
To screen individuals at high risk of Hepatitis C infection, such as individuals who inject drugs, those with a history of unsafe medical procedures, or individuals born to mothers with hepatitis C.
To identify hepatitis C infection early for timely intervention, reducing the risk of long-term liver damage.
For antiviral treatment guidance.

What does Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Antibody measure?

The Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Antibody test determines the status of current hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection or past HCV infection that has been resolved. This test, therefore, helps your doctor to guide an appropriate treatment plan. HCV causes liver inflammation and is classified into acute hepatitis infection and chronic hepatitis infection.

Acute hepatitis C: This occurs in the first six months after exposure to the hepatitis C virus. In the early stage of the infection, acute hepatitis C is mild and may cause no symptoms. For this reason, most people do not know they have this infection.
Chronic hepatitis C: If your body is unable to fight off the virus, you can develop a chronic hepatitis C infection. Progression from acute to chronic hepatitis C is common, occurring in about 75-85% of patients. Detecting chronic hepatitis C at the early stage is important to prevent future complications, such as liver failure, and initiate effective treatment.

The Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Antibody test is used for screening for anti-HCV antibodies. A reactive result needs to be confirmed by other more specific NAT/ nucleic acid tests before final diagnosis.

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Antibody

Frequently Asked Questions about Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Antibody

Q. Why do I need the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Antibody test?

You may need the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Antibody test to check whether you have been infected by the hepatitis C virus, to evaluate a current or past infection, and to guide doctors to formulate an effective treatment plan.

Q. What are the early symptoms of a hepatitis C infection?

Most people do not show any symptoms during the initial stages of hepatitis C infection. However, few people may experience symptoms like fever, fatigue, body pain, loss of appetite, stomach pain, dark-colored urine, light-colored stools, and the yellowing of the white portion of the eyes and skin.

Q. Is there a vaccine for hepatitis C?

Currently, there is no effective vaccine to prevent hepatitis C infection.

Q. What are the additional tests required if the result of an HCV test is positive?

If the result of an HCV test is positive, your doctor may recommend a hepatitis C RNA test. This is a blood test that looks for genetic evidence of the virus. Another test, called viral genotyping, helps find out what kind of HCV infection you have and what type of treatment may be needed. In some cases, you may also need a liver biopsy to look for liver damage associated with HCV.

Q. If I test positive, what should my next steps be?

If you test positive for HCV antibodies, your doctor may recommend further testing for confirmation. HCV-RNA test may help if you have an active infection and to assess the health of your liver. They may also prescribe antiviral medicines to manage your condition

Q. Can hepatitis C be spread through food or water?

No, hepatitis C virus does not spread through food or water, by sharing eating utensils, breastfeeding, hugging, kissing, handholding, coughing, or sneezing.

Q. How is hepatitis C infection transmitted?

Hepatitis C infection can be transmitted through contact with infected blood and body fluids. This can happen during unprotected sexual contact with an infected partner; from an infected mother to her unborn baby during birth; due to transfusion with infected blood; while sharing needles, syringes, or drug preparation equipment; by sharing items such as toothbrushes or razors; due to direct contact with blood or open wounds of an infected person; and during body piercing and tattooing.