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Hepatitis C Virus RNA, Serum/Plasma

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test checks for the presence of Hepatitis C virus genetic material in your blood to determine if you have an active infection.

Quick summary

["Helps diagnose and monitor Hepatitis C virus infection."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
20571-6
Short code
HCV RNA # SerPl Probe+sig amp
Synonyms
HCV RNA # SerPl Probe+sig amp
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
probe-amp-sig
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

Why This Test Is Done

Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have risk factors for Hepatitis C, such as exposure to contaminated blood, long-term tattoos or body piercings, or if you have symptoms like fatigue, abdominal pain, or unexplained jaundice. It may also be used to check if treatment is working or to monitor disease progression.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw blood. If you’re nervous, let your provider know—they can offer ways to make it more comfortable.

What the Test Results Mean

A positive result means the virus is present in your blood, indicating an active Hepatitis C infection. A negative result means no active virus was detected at the time of testing. Follow-up tests may be needed to confirm or track the infection over time.

How the Test Works

This test uses a specialized molecular method to detect the genetic material (RNA) of the Hepatitis C virus in your blood. It’s highly sensitive and can detect even very small amounts of the virus.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

HCV RNA

Frequently asked questions

What does a positive test mean?
A positive test means you have an active Hepatitis C infection. Your provider will work with you to determine the next steps, which may include starting treatment to clear the virus.
How often should I get tested if I have Hepatitis C?
If you have Hepatitis C, follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for monitoring. This may include regular blood tests to check how your infection responds to treatment or to assess liver health.
Can I still get Hepatitis C if I’ve already been tested and had a negative result?
Yes, it’s possible to get Hepatitis C even if you’ve tested negative before. The virus can spread through blood exposure, so it’s important to avoid risky behaviors and get tested if you have new risk factors.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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