Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Antibody Test

The Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Antibody Test is a blood test used to detect antibodies to the Hepatitis C virus in the bloodstream. These antibodies are produced by the immune system in response to the presence of the virus in the body.

The HCV Antibody Test is typically used to screen for past or current HCV infection. A positive test result indicates that a person has been infected with the virus at some point in the past, while a negative result means that there are no detectable antibodies present.

If the HCV Antibody Test is positive, further testing may be done to determine if the virus is still present in the body. This may include a viral load test to measure the amount of HCV in the bloodstream, as well as tests to assess liver function and damage.

It is important to note that a positive HCV Antibody Test does not necessarily mean that a person has active Hepatitis C or is contagious. It is recommended to consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation and management if the test result is positive.