Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Antibody Screening and Confirmation Test (Serum/Plasma)
This test detects antibodies to the hepatitis C virus (HCV) in your blood. Antibodies are your body’s immune response to the virus, which can help identify past or current infection.
["Helps determine if you’ve been exposed to hepatitis C, even if you don’t yet have symptoms."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 79189-7
- Short code
- HCV core Ag SerPl Ql IA
- Synonyms
- HCV core Ag SerPl Ql IA
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- ia
- 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 Matters
Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus that can cause long-term liver damage if untreated. This test is often used as a screening step to check for infection, especially if you’ve had risk factors like exposure to contaminated blood or needles.
How the Test Works
The test uses a blood sample (either serum or plasma) to detect specific antibodies produced by your immune system in response to the hepatitis C virus. The method combines screening and confirmation steps to ensure accuracy.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You may have a small needle inserted to draw blood from your arm. If you’re nervous, let your healthcare provider know—they can help make it more comfortable.
What the Results Mean
A positive result means your body has detected antibodies to hepatitis C, suggesting past or current infection. A negative result means no detectable antibodies were found, but this doesn’t rule out infection if testing was done too early. Follow-up testing may be needed.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test plays a critical role in early detection of hepatitis C, allowing for prompt treatment to prevent liver damage. While antibodies indicate exposure, they don’t always mean active infection at the time of testing. Confirmatory testing may be required for diagnosis.
Short name
HCV Antibody Test
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean for my health?
How soon after exposure could I test positive?
Can I get hepatitis C from this test?
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