Anti-HCV IgG Immunoassay (Screening)
This test detects antibodies to the hepatitis C virus (HCV) in your blood. It helps determine if you’ve been exposed to HCV, which can cause liver disease.
["A positive result may indicate past or current infection; further testing is needed for confirmation."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 53376-0
- Short code
- HCV IgM Ser-aCnc
- Synonyms
- HCV IgM 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 This Test Measures
The test uses an immunoassay method to identify specific antibodies (IgG) produced by your immune system in response to HCV. These antibodies are a sign your body has encountered the virus, though they may appear even after the virus has cleared.
Why It’s Ordered
Doctors may order this test if you have risk factors for hepatitis C, such as exposure to contaminated blood, long-term tattoos/piercings, or if you live with someone who has HCV. It’s also used as part of routine screening in certain high-risk populations.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll typically have a small blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm. The process takes a few minutes, and you may feel slight discomfort.
What to Expect After the Test
After the blood draw, you can resume normal activities. There may be mild bruising or soreness at the site, but this usually fades quickly. Avoid vigorous activity for a few hours to prevent excessive bleeding.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A positive HCV antibody screen requires additional testing (e.g., HCV RNA PCR) to confirm active infection. While antibodies indicate past or potential exposure, they don’t always correlate with current viral load. This test is a first step in identifying individuals who should be evaluated further for HCV.
Short name
HCV Antibody Screen
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean?
Can I get hepatitis C from this test?
How soon will I get my results?
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