Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Antibody

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.