Hepatitis C Virus Antibody, Serum (Screening)
This test checks for antibodies to the hepatitis C virus in your blood. Antibodies are your body’s way of fighting off infections, so if they’re present, it may indicate past or current hepatitis C infection.
["A simple blood test to detect hepatitis C antibodies, helping identify if you’ve been exposed to the virus."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 16128-1
- Short code
- HCV Ab Ser Ql
- Synonyms
- HCV Ab Ser Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- 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
Why This Test Is Done
Doctors may order this test if you have risk factors for hepatitis C, such as exposure to contaminated blood (e.g., through sharing needles, medical procedures without proper sterilization, or blood transfusions before 1992). It’s also used as part of routine screening for certain groups at higher risk, like people with chronic liver disease or those with HIV.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll typically have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw blood. It usually takes a few minutes, and you may feel a slight pinch. No special preparation is needed, but let your doctor or lab staff know if you’re pregnant, on blood thinners, or have a bleeding disorder.
What the Test Results Mean
A positive result means your blood contains antibodies to hepatitis C, suggesting you’ve likely been infected at some point. A negative result means no detectable antibodies were found, but it doesn’t guarantee you’re not infected. Follow-up tests (like a confirmatory antibody test or viral load test) may be needed to confirm or rule out hepatitis C.
Next Steps After a Positive or Negative Result
If your test is positive, your healthcare provider will likely recommend further testing to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the virus is active. If negative, they may still monitor you if you have risk factors. Treatment options exist if hepatitis C is confirmed, and early detection improves outcomes.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
HCV Antibody Screen
Frequently asked questions
Hepatitis C is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). If left untreated, it can lead to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, liver cancer, or even liver failure. Early detection through antibody screening is crucial for managing the infection and preventing long-term complications.
If I have a negative result, do I still need to get tested again?
Can I get hepatitis C from a blood donation?
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