What is the HCV antibody test?

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the HCV antibody test used for?

The HCV antibody test is used to identify previous exposure or current infection with hepatitis C virus. This test identifies antibodies to the hepatitis C virus, so it can not help in distinguishing between active viral infection and past infection. Sometimes, the false-positive result is given in a weak positive test.

Understanding the test results of the HCV antibody test

The test results reflecting non-reactive HCV antibodies indicates there are no HCV antibodies in the blood. These patients do not have current or past HCV infections. HCV antibody reactive test indicates presumptive infection of HCV. HCV RNA test can be suggested after HCV antibody test to identify if such patient has had a recent illness.

Why do I need an HCV antibody test?

It is suggested that everybody in the age group of 18 to 79 years should get tested with an HCV antibody test. Some people do not fall sick with the hepatitis C viral infection, but it slowly damages their liver. Performing the test can also arrest the spread of this virus. If you belong to a risk group like a health-care worker or illegal drug user, you must undergo this test.

What happens during the HCV antibody test?

The HCV antibody test is a blood test used to screen hepatitis C infection. The test detects HCV antibodies in the bloodstream with the help of an Enzyme Immunoassay. The test results are reflected as positive and negative, indicating past or present hepatitis C viral infection in the body.

What does a positive HCV antibody mean?

A positive HCV antibody means that the person has been infected with the hepatitis C virus. This infection can be at any point of time in their lives. HCV infection triggers the formation of antibodies against the hepatitis C virus in the body. These antibodies will remain in the bloodstream and are identified by this test.

What is the usual range of HCV?

The normal range of HCV is “not detected” as it reflects you have never been infected with the virus. The quantitative range of the HCV antibody test is 10–100,000,000 IU/mL (1.0 - 8.0 log IU/mL). Research has shown the test can give false-positive results in approximately 10% of the samples.

Can HCV antibodies disappear?

HCV antibodies are formed as a fighting mechanism against the hepatitis C virus in the body. These antibodies stay in the body for a lifetime and do not disappear. However, in less than 15% of patients, these antibodies disappear spontaneously. Clearance of these antibodies does not reflect support of infection in the body.

Is HCV antibody protective?

HCV antibodies are manufactured in response to infection and stay in the bloodstream forever. However, these HCV antibodies in humans do not protect the body against hepatitis C viral infection. The body’s protection mechanism against this virus is guided by CD4 and CD8 T cells. These cells help to provide adaptive protective immunity in an individual.

How long have you had HCV antibodies?

HCV antibodies are formed as a fighting mechanism against HCV infection. These antibodies can persist in the bloodstream for 20 years. These antibodies persist at detectable levels even after the subsidization of clinical symptoms. Along with these antibodies, the antigen and virus also stay in the body at comparatively deficient levels.

How do you read HCV antibody test results?

If the test outcome is HCV antibody non-reactive, HCV antibodies are not detected in the blood and the person is HCV negative. If the test outcome is HCV antibody reactive, it indicates presumptive HCV infection. In these cases, HCV RNA tests are performed to identify active and current issues of HCV infections.

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