Anti-HCV IgG (Serum) – Hepatitis C Virus Immunoglobulin G Antibody
This test checks for antibodies to the hepatitis C virus (HCV) in your blood. Antibodies are proteins your immune system makes in response to infections, including hepatitis C.
["Helps determine if you’ve ever been exposed to hepatitis C, even if you don’t have active symptoms."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 16936-7
- Short code
- HCV IgG Ser-aCnc
- Synonyms
- HCV IgG Ser-aCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 82784
- 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 Does This Test Measure?
The test detects IgG antibodies specific to the hepatitis C virus. IgG antibodies are typically present in the blood if you’ve been exposed to the virus at any point, even if the infection has cleared (resolved). These antibodies remain in your system for life after recovery.
Why Might Your Doctor Order This Test?
Your doctor may recommend this test if you have risk factors for hepatitis C, such as a history of blood transfusions before 1992, needle-sharing, or exposure to contaminated needles. It’s also used to screen for hepatitis C in certain populations or after potential exposure.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw a blood sample. The process takes about 5 minutes, and you may feel a brief pinch. If you’re nervous, let your healthcare provider know.
What to Expect After the Test
After the blood is drawn, a bandage will cover the puncture site. You can resume normal activities immediately. Rarely, you might experience mild bruising or soreness at the site, but these are usually temporary.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A positive result indicates you’ve been exposed to hepatitis C virus antibodies, meaning you’ve likely had the infection at some point. This doesn’t mean you currently have an active infection, but it confirms past exposure. If you’re concerned about current infection, follow-up tests may be needed to check for HCV RNA (the virus itself). A negative result means you haven’t been exposed to hepatitis C antibodies in the past.
Short name
HCV Antibody Test
Frequently asked questions
How Long Does It Take to Get Results?
What If My Test Result Is Positive?
Do I Need to Avoid Certain Foods or Drinks Before the 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