Hepatitis C Virus Tests

HCV Antibody Tests

Results

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) test is a blood test that looks for proteins (antibodies) the body makes against HCV or for the genetic material (RNA) of the hepatitis C virus.

Results of hepatitis C virus testing that show no infection are called negative. This means that no antibodies against HCV or HCV genetic material was found. Results are usually available in 5 to 7 days.

Hepatitis C virus tests

Normal (negative):	No hepatitis C antibodies are found.
	No hepatitis C genetic material (RNA) is found.
Abnormal (positive):	Hepatitis C antibodies are found. A test to detect HCV RNA is needed to determine whether the infection is current or occurred in the past. If HCV RNA is found, genotyping can determine which strain of HCV is causing the infection.
	Hepatitis C genetic material (RNA) is detected. This result indicates a current hepatitis C virus infection.

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: August 27, 2007
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine W. Thomas London, MD - Hepatology
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