Anti-Hepatitis C Virus Nucleocapsid Antibody, Serum (Qualitative Immunoassay)
This test detects antibodies to the nucleocapsid protein of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) in your blood. It helps determine if your immune system has ever been exposed to HCV.
["This test helps assess past or potential exposure to Hepatitis C Virus."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 23871-7
- Short code
- HCV NS5 Ab Ser Ql IB
- Synonyms
- HCV NS5 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 looks for antibodies called anti-nucleocapsid (anti-HCV core) antibodies. These antibodies are produced by your immune system in response to HCV infection. This test is used primarily as part of screening or confirmation for Hepatitis C, though it may not detect acute infection as reliably as other tests.
Why It Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have risk factors for Hepatitis C, such as exposure to contaminated blood, long-term organ transplant, or if you have unexplained liver issues. It can also be used in follow-up testing after initial screening.
How the Test Works
The test uses a blood sample drawn from your arm. The serum portion of the blood is tested for the presence of anti-HCV nucleocapsid antibodies using an immunoassay method. This method detects specific antibodies that bind to the HCV nucleocapsid protein if they are present in your blood.
Preparation and Sample Collection
No special preparation is needed for this test. A healthcare professional will collect a blood sample in a typical vein-to-syringe or tube procedure. You may feel slight discomfort, but it usually lasts only a few minutes.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Positive results indicate that your immune system has likely encountered HCV in the past, suggesting past infection. However, it does not confirm current infection. This test is often used alongside other HCV tests (such as HCV RNA testing) to determine the stage and activity of infection. Negative results mean no detectable antibodies to HCV nucleocapsid are present, indicating no past infection or current exposure.
Short name
HCV Nucleocapsid Antibody (Qualitative)
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean?
What does a negative result mean?
Can this test detect acute Hepatitis C infection?
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