The Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) IgG Antibody Test detects IgG antibodies against the Hepatitis C virus (HCV). This test helps identify past or chronic HCV infection but does not confirm an active infection.
✅ Detects Past HCV Infection – IgG antibodies appear 8–11 weeks after exposure and persist for life.
✅ Identifies Chronic HCV Cases – A positive IgG result suggests past or ongoing infection.
✅ Screening for High-Risk Individuals – Used for IV drug users, healthcare workers, people with past blood transfusions, and high-risk sexual behavior.
✅ Pre-Surgical & Blood Donation Screening – Ensures medical safety by detecting previous HCV exposure.
🩸 Blood Sample Collection – A blood sample is drawn and analyzed using ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) or chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) techniques.
| Result | Interpretation | Next Steps |
|---|---|---|
| Positive | Past or current HCV infection | HCV RNA PCR Test needed to check for active infection |
| Negative | No prior HCV exposure | No further testing needed unless recent exposure is suspected |
📌 A positive HCV IgG test does not confirm an active infection. An HCV RNA PCR test is required to determine if the virus is currently present in the blood.
🔹 Blood-to-Blood Contact – Sharing needles, blood transfusions (before 1992), or unsterilized medical equipment.
🔹 Unprotected Sexual Contact – Higher risk with multiple partners or STDs.
🔹 Mother-to-Child Transmission – Possible during childbirth if the mother has HCV.
🔹 Tattoos & Piercings – Risk from unsterilized equipment.
⚠ Acute HCV Symptoms (2–12 weeks after exposure, may be mild or absent):
🔸 Fatigue, nausea, vomiting
🔸 Fever, loss of appetite
🔸 Abdominal pain, jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes)
🔸 Dark urine, pale stools
⚠ Chronic HCV Symptoms (Can remain silent for years, leading to liver damage):
🔸 Liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, or liver failure
🔸 Increased risk of liver cancer
🔸 Persistent fatigue and joint pain
📌 About 70–85% of people with HCV develop chronic infection if untreated.
🔬 HCV RNA PCR Test – Confirms active infection by detecting HCV genetic material.
🔬 HCV Genotyping – Determines the specific strain of HCV to guide treatment.
🔬 Liver Function Tests (LFTs) – Checks liver enzyme levels (ALT, AST, bilirubin).
🔬 FibroScan or Liver Biopsy – Assesses liver damage in chronic cases.
✔ HCV IgG indicates past or current infection.
✔ A positive result should be followed up with an HCV RNA PCR test to confirm active infection.
✔ Chronic HCV can cause serious liver disease but is treatable with antiviral medications.
✔ Prevention includes safe needle use, protected sex, and proper sterilization of medical equipment.