Serum Immunoassay for Antibodies to Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) (Qualitative or Quantitative)
This test detects antibodies in your blood that your immune system makes in response to the hepatitis C virus (HCV). It helps determine if you’ve ever been exposed to HCV or if you currently have an active infection.
["This test can help identify past or present hepatitis C infection, guiding next steps for diagnosis and treatment."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 94430-6
- Short code
- HLA class I Ab.IgG low risk SerPl FC
- Synonyms
- HLA class I Ab.IgG low risk SerPl FC
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- flow-cytometry
- 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 (proteins produced by your immune system) that target the hepatitis C virus. These antibodies appear after your body has been exposed to HCV, whether from infection or vaccination (though vaccination is not available for HCV). The presence of these antibodies suggests past or current infection, though they may not always indicate an active infection at the time of testing.
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, needle-sharing, or other behaviors that increase exposure risk. It may also be used as part of routine screening or after exposure to HCV.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw blood. If you’re concerned about needles, let your healthcare provider know. The test is quick and typically done in a clinic or lab.
What to Expect After the Test
After the blood is drawn, you may feel a slight pinch or bruising at the site. Apply gentle pressure to stop any bleeding. You can return to your normal activities immediately. Results may take a few days to weeks, depending on lab processing times.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Positive results indicate exposure to HCV, meaning your body has produced antibodies against the virus. This could mean you had an infection in the past or currently. However, antibodies alone do not confirm an active infection—additional tests (like HCV RNA testing) are needed to determine if the virus is still active. Negative results suggest no current or recent exposure, but they do not rule out past infection without further testing.
Short name
HCV Antibody Test
Frequently asked questions
How Long Does It Take to Get Results?
What If My Test Results Are Positive?
What If My Test Results Are Negative?
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