Hepatitis C Antibodies (HCV), Rapid
Hepatitis C Antibodies (HCV), Rapid
Hepatitis C is a viral infection caused by the HCV virus and is transmitted through contaminated blood. Chronic infection is characterized by inflammation and damage to the liver. When a person contracts a virus, their immune system produces antibodies in their blood. These antibodies will aid in the battle against the viral infection. These antibodies are generally detected at 6 to 8 weeks after the onset of the infection (window period).
The hepatitis C antibody test detects these antibodies in an individual’s blood sample. It is helpful in screening and diagnosing hepatitis C infection in high-risk individuals.
Symptoms of HCV infection
In the early stages, an HCV infection shows no symptoms. However, chronic infection can lead to liver disease. Symptoms of liver disease include:
Nausea
Diarrhoea
Decreased appetite
Fatigue
Yellowing of skin
Fever
Stomach pain
Frequent bruising
Dark urine
Light coloured stool
Who should get tested?
This test is recommended for individuals who have/are:
Above 18 years
Ever injected any illegal drugs
Had a blood transfusion or organ transplantation
Sexual partner who is HCV positive
HIV disease
Healthcare professional who got exposed to infected blood
Children of HCV infected mother
Test preparation
No special preparations are required to take hepatitis C antibody test.
Please talk to your healthcare professional if you are taking any medications before taking the test.
Interpretation of the Test Results
The test results of the hepatitis C antibody test are given as either positive or negative.
Positive test results – The positive test results indicate the presence of hepatitis C-specific antibodies and could mean one of the following two things:
1. You are likely to have a hepatitis C infection, or
2. You have had hepatitis C infection in the past and have developed immunity against it.
Negative test results – The negative test results indicate there were no antibodies specific to hepatitis C infection found in your blood. Therefore, you do not have any infection
FAQs
What is the turnaround time (TAT) for a hepatitis C antibody (HCV) test?
The test results of the hepatitis C antibody test are usually available within 2 – 3 working days after the sample collection. However, it could also take a little longer at times
Are there any risks associated with the hepatitis C antibody test?
No, there are no potential risks associated with the hepatitis C antibody test. It is a simple blood test and may involve very negligible risk such as feeling a slight sting or a bruise at the site of needle insertion. It usually resolves within a few minutes to a couple of hours. Rarely, the site can also become infected
What is the procedure involved in sample collection?
Your healthcare professional will clean the skin area where the sample will be collected. Following it, he will inject a small needle into your forearm vein and draw a few milliliters of blood into a sterile test tube or vial. The blood sample is then analyzed for hepatitis C antibodies
Can the test results be false-negative?
Yes, it is possible to get a false-negative or weak positive test result for a hepatitis c antibody test. It takes almost 6 to 8 weeks for the production of infection-specific antibodies in an individual’s blood after he/she has contracted the infection. Testing before this duration may lead to false-negative results
Should I fast before taking hepatitis C antibody test?
No, you need not fast before taking the hepatitis C antibody test. It is a simple blood test and can be done at any time of the day
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