Hepatitis C Virus Antibody, Qualitative, Serum/Plasma
This test checks for antibodies to the Hepatitis C virus in your blood. Antibodies are proteins your immune system makes to fight infections.
["A positive result may indicate past or current Hepatitis C infection; a negative result suggests no current infection."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 39008-8
- Short code
- HCV Ab Fld Ql IB
- Synonyms
- HCV Ab Fld Ql IB
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- ib
- CPT
- 86803
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What This Test Measures
This test detects the presence of antibodies specific to Hepatitis C virus (HCV) in your blood. Antibodies are your body’s immune response to an infection. If your body has encountered the virus, it produces these antibodies to help fight it. This test is used primarily to screen for Hepatitis C, which can cause liver damage over time if not treated.
Why It’s Done
Healthcare providers may order this test if you have risk factors for Hepatitis C, such as having been exposed to contaminated blood, using intravenous drugs, or having received a blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1992. It may also be used as part of routine screening in certain populations or during follow-up for chronic liver conditions.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this test. You may have a blood draw from a vein in your arm. The process is quick and typically painless. If you’re nervous, let your healthcare provider know so they can prepare you appropriately.
What to Expect During the Test
A healthcare professional will clean the area with an antiseptic, insert a small needle into your vein, and collect a blood sample. You may feel a slight pinch or sting, but the procedure usually takes less than a minute. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for testing.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A positive result for Hepatitis C antibodies means your body has detected the virus, which may indicate past or current infection. This does not confirm active liver disease but signals the need for further evaluation, such as additional tests to check liver function or viral load. A negative result means no current infection is detected, but you should still discuss your risk factors with your healthcare provider to prevent future exposure. Early detection and treatment can help manage the virus and reduce liver damage.
Short name
HCV Antibody Screen
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean?
How long does it take to get results?
Can I have this test if I’m pregnant?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy