IgA Antibody to Hepatitis C Virus (IgA Anti-HCV)
This test measures the presence of antibodies to the hepatitis C virus (HCV) in your blood, specifically targeting IgA antibodies. IgA antibodies are part of your immune system’s response to infections and can indicate an ongoing or past exposure to hepatitis C.
["This test helps determine if you may have been exposed to hepatitis C, even if you don’t yet have classic symptoms."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 73745-2
- Short code
- KLH IgA Ser-mCnc
- Synonyms
- KLH IgA Ser-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 1.5
- Ref high
- 9
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 83002
- 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?
IgA antibodies are a type of immune protein your body produces in response to hepatitis C virus infection. Detecting these antibodies can help identify whether you’ve been exposed to the virus, though they may not appear immediately after exposure. This test focuses on IgA specifically, which can sometimes be detected earlier or persist longer than other antibody types in some individuals.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have risk factors for hepatitis C, such as a history of blood transfusions before 1992, needle exposure, or chronic liver issues. It may also be used as part of screening or monitoring for hepatitis C in certain populations.
What Does a Positive Result Mean?
A positive result suggests you may have been exposed to hepatitis C virus and developed an immune response. However, it doesn’t confirm an active infection right away. Follow-up testing, such as HCV RNA testing, is often needed to determine if the virus is currently active in your body.
What Does a Negative Result Mean?
A negative result means your body did not detect IgA antibodies to hepatitis C at the time of testing. This could mean you have never been exposed or that your immune response hasn’t produced detectable IgA antibodies yet.
Reference range
Follicular: 1.5-9.0 mIU/mLN/A
For females: inform if menstrual cycle status. For certain tests, timing within menstrual cycle may matter.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: Understanding Your Results
Short name
IgA Anti-HCV
Frequently asked questions
How long will it take to get my results?
Can I get hepatitis C from this test?
Do I need to prepare for this 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