HCV Total Antibody Test

HCV antibody test is recommended in the following scenario:

• To screen for hepatitis C infection when you are at high risk for getting the HCV infection.
• To diagnose hepatitis C when you may have been exposed to the virus, such as through contact with the blood of an infected person.
• To diagnose hepatitis C when you get any symptoms of liver disease.

HCV total antibody test checks if a person has been infected with the hepatitis C virus. It checks for the presence of HCV antibodies in a person’s blood.

HCV test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer.

The normal range for the HCV-Total Antibody test is "not detected". This indicates that you likely have never been infected with the Hepatitis C virus.

A positive HCV antibody test result means you have been exposed to the hepatitis C virus. If you get a positive result, your healthcare provider will order more tests, including RNA, to measure the number of viral RNA particles in your blood. This test is 100% accurate for detecting an infection.

No special preparations are required for an HCV-total antibody test. However, it is recommended that you consult with your healthcare provider before taking the test, as they may have specific instructions or recommendations based on your individual medical history and current health status.

Hepatitis C usually spreads by exposure to infected blood. The most common exposure occurs due to sharing needles during illicit drug use. A few other forms of transmission include exposure of healthcare professionals to used needles, use of contaminated needles for piercings and tattoos, from mother to baby during childbirth, and through sexual activity resulting in tissue tears.

Chronic hepatitis C is a condition in which the HCV RNA remains in the blood for a minimum of 6 months after an acute infection. An acute infection can progress to a chronic infection due to several risk factors, including the infected person’s age, gender, ethnicity, exposure to HIV, and conditions such as cancer, obesity, immunosuppression, etc.

• HCV antibody test
• Anti-HCV test
• Anti-HCV Antibodies Test
• Hepatitis C Virus Antibody Test

People with these conditions must get an HCV-total antibody test done:

• If you inject or use drugs
• If you have HIV If you have ever injected drugs – even once in your life
• If you are on kidney dialysis
• If you are pregnant
• If you have had blood transfusions, organ transplants, or blood components
• If you have received blood from a donor who tested positive for the hepatitis C virus later
• If you have abnormal ALT levels (alanine aminotransferase)
• If you have received clotting factor concentrates before 1987
• If your mother had HCV when she gave birth to you
• If you are a first responder, healthcare worker, or work in a field that exposes you to HCV-infected needles

This is essential as the disease does not show symptoms and leads to a chronic infection.