MLT GlobeHepatitis C antibody (anti-HCV)
Hepatitis · also called HCV Ab
What it measures
Screens for antibodies to hepatitis C virus. A reactive result means current or past infection and must be followed by an HCV RNA test.
Specimen and preparation
- Specimen: Serum or plasma
- Tube: Gold top
Reference range
| Group | Range |
|---|---|
| All | Non-reactive |
Reference ranges differ between laboratories, methods and populations. Always use the range printed on your own lab report.
Causes of high values
- Current chronic HCV infection
- Past cleared infection (antibody persists)
- False positive (low signal-to-cutoff ratio)
Method
CLIA/ECLIA or ELISA; rapid immunochromatographic tests
Good to know
Antibody may be absent early (window up to 8–12 weeks) and in immunosuppressed or dialysis patients; test RNA if suspicion is high.
Related tests
Hepatitis A IgM antibody (anti-HAV IgM)Hepatitis B core IgM antibody (anti-HBc IgM)Hepatitis B core total antibody (anti-HBc total)Hepatitis B e antibody (anti-HBe)Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)Hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs)Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)Hepatitis B virus DNA (viral load)
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