Synonyms: Hepatitis C Virus Antibody; Hepatitis C; Hep C; HCV

NOTICE: This test is a component of the Acute Hepatitis Panel which may be more appealing than ordering this test alone.

Why It Is Done

Diagnose and identify the type of hepatitis virus causing the infection. Other tests that indicate how well the liver is functioning are usually done to support a diagnosis of hepatitis. (See the What to Think About section.)
Screen people (such as doctors, dentists, and nurses) who have an increased risk of getting or spreading a viral hepatitis infection.
Screen potential blood donors and donor organs to prevent the spread of hepatitis.
To further evaluate abnormal liver function tests.

Test Overview

Hepatitis C virus tests detect substances in the blood that indicate a hepatitis infection is active, chronic, or has occurred in the past. The tests detect proteins (antibodies) or genetic material (DNA or RNA) of the virus that causes hepatitis. It is important to identify the type of hepatitis virus causing infection so that its spread can be prevented and the proper treatment can be started immediately.

HCV is transmitted through infected blood.
Anti-HCV antibody tests detect the presence of antibodies to HCV in the blood, indicating an HCV infection has occurred. However, this test makes no distinction between an acute or chronic infection. The enzyme immunoassay (EIA) may be the first test done to detect anti-HCV antibodies. Sometimes a supplemental test called the recombinant immunoblot assay (RIBA) may be done to confirm a positive EIA test result.

How To Prepare

No special preparation is needed