The Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Total Antibody Test detects both IgM and IgG antibodies against the Hepatitis C virus (HCV). This test is used to determine whether a person has been exposed to HCV, either recently or in the past.
✅ Screening for HCV Exposure – Identifies whether a person has ever been infected with HCV.
✅ Diagnosing Hepatitis C Infection – If antibodies are detected, further testing is required to determine if the infection is active.
✅ Testing High-Risk Individuals – Recommended for intravenous drug users, healthcare workers, people with multiple blood transfusions, and those with unprotected sex.
✅ Pre-Surgical & Blood Donation Screening – Ensures the safety of medical procedures and blood donations.
🩸 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 HCV exposure | No further testing needed unless recent exposure is suspected |
📌 A positive antibody test does not confirm an active infection—it only indicates that the person was exposed to HCV at some point. An HCV RNA PCR test is required to confirm an active infection.
🔹 Blood-to-Blood Contact – Sharing needles, blood transfusions (before 1992), or medical procedures with unsterilized equipment.
🔹 Unprotected Sexual Contact – Higher risk with multiple partners or STDs.
🔹 Mother-to-Child Transmission – During childbirth if the mother is HCV-positive.
🔹 Tattoos & Piercings – Done with 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 Total Antibody Test detects past or present HCV infection.
✔ A positive result requires 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 equipmen