Anti-HCV (Hepatitis C Virus) Antibody Screening Test (Serum)
This test checks for antibodies to the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) in your blood. Antibodies are proteins your immune system makes in response to infection.
["A positive result may indicate past or current Hepatitis C infection; a negative result means no detectable antibodies at this time."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 56929-3
- Short code
- HCV NS3 Ab Ser Ql IB
- Synonyms
- HCV NS3 Ab Ser Ql IB
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- ib
- 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
What This Test Measures
The test detects specific antibodies produced by your immune system in response to the Hepatitis C Virus. These antibodies are a sign that your body has encountered the virus, either through past infection or vaccination (though Hepatitis C does not have a vaccine). This screening test is not used to diagnose active infection but helps identify potential exposure for further evaluation.
Why It’s Done
Your healthcare provider may recommend 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), or if you have symptoms like fatigue, jaundice, or unexplained liver issues.
What to Expect
This test involves drawing blood from a vein in your arm. You may feel a slight pinch, but it usually doesn’t cause significant discomfort. The blood sample is sent to a lab for analysis. Results are typically available within a few days to a week, depending on your healthcare provider’s process.
What the Results Mean
A positive result means your blood contains antibodies to Hepatitis C, which may suggest past infection. However, a positive screening test alone does not confirm active infection. Your doctor will likely order additional tests (like a confirmatory HCV antibody test or viral load test) to determine if you have active Hepatitis C or have recovered from it.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
HCV Antibody Screen
Frequently asked questions
If your screening test is positive, further evaluation is crucial. Active Hepatitis C can cause long-term liver damage, including cirrhosis or liver cancer. Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage the infection and reduce complications. If negative, you may still be at risk if you have risk factors, so ongoing monitoring or retesting may be recommended.
If I have risk factors for Hepatitis C, should I get this test even if I feel healthy?
Can I get Hepatitis C from a positive screening 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