Hepatitis C Virus Antibody, CMIA/CLIA

Also known as Hepatitis C- Antibody

₹1489~~₹1600~~ 6% Off

You need to provide

Blood

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

No special preparation is required.

Understanding Hepatitis C Virus Antibody, CMIA/CLIA

What is Hepatitis C Virus Antibody, CMIA/CLIA?

A Hepatitis C Virus Antibody, CMIA/CLIA test is used to detect the presence of antibodies that the body makes against the hepatitis C virus (HCV) in a person's blood. This test plays a crucial role in screening for HCV infection. It helps determine whether an individual has a current, recent (acute), or past hepatitis C infection.

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. Hepatitis C Virus Antibody, CMIA/CLIA 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 a Hepatitis C Virus Antibody, CMIA/CLIA 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.

Talk to your doctor about your specific test results. A hepatitis C antibody test is either positive or negative. If you test positive, you may have an HCV infection. But it could also mean that you had the infection in the past and are not currently infected. Additional tests may be recommended to determine whether or not the virus is still active. A negative result means you have not been infected with hepatitis C virus and further testing is not required. Narrate your complete medical history to help doctors correlate your clinical and laboratory findings.

What is Hepatitis C Virus Antibody, CMIA/CLIA used for?

A Hepatitis C Virus Antibody, CMIA/CLIA 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.
For antiviral treatment guidance.

What does Hepatitis C Virus Antibody, CMIA/CLIA measure?

A Hepatitis C Virus Antibody, CMIA/CLIA test determines the status of a 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.

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Hepatitis C Virus Antibody, CMIA/CLIA

Frequently Asked Questions about Hepatitis C Virus Antibody, CMIA/CLIA

Q. Why do I need a Hepatitis C Virus Antibody, CMIA/CLIA test?

You may need a Hepatitis C Virus Antibody, CMIA/CLIA 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 to determine 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.