Anti-Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Antibody Screening Test (Serum)
This test detects antibodies to the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) in your blood serum. Antibodies are proteins your immune system makes in response to an infection, such as HCV.
["This screening helps identify if you’ve been exposed to Hepatitis C virus, even if you don’t yet have symptoms."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 16129-9
- Short code
- HCV IgG Ser Ql
- Synonyms
- HCV IgG 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
- 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 looks for specific antibodies produced by your immune system in response to Hepatitis C. These antibodies indicate past or current infection with the virus, though they may not appear immediately after exposure. This is a screening test, not a diagnostic one for active infection.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have risk factors for Hepatitis C, such as a history of blood transfusions before 1992, intravenous drug use, or exposure to contaminated needles. It’s also used as part of routine screening for certain populations.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw blood. The process usually takes a few minutes. You can eat and drink as usual before the test.
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare professional will clean the area on your arm and insert a small needle to collect blood. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for testing. The test itself is quick, but the results may take a few days to come back.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
HCV Antibody Screen (Serum)
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean?
Can I have Hepatitis C if my antibody test is negative?
The frequency depends on your risk factors and medical advice. If you have risk factors for Hepatitis C, your healthcare provider may recommend testing every few years or more frequently if you have ongoing risk behaviors or liver concerns.
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