Hepatitis C virus (HCV) test is a blood test that looks for the genetic material ( RNA) of the virus that causes hepatitis or for the proteins ( antibodies) the body makes against HCV. These proteins will be present in your blood if you have a hepatitis C infection now or have had one in the past. It is important to identify the type of hepatitis virus causing the infection, to prevent its spread and start the proper treatment.

HCV is spread through infected blood.

• Anti-HCV antibody tests look for antibodies to HCV in the blood, indicating an HCV infection has occurred. This test cannot tell the difference between an acute or long-term infection. The enzyme immunoassay (EIA) may be the first test done to detect anti-HCV antibodies.
• HCV RIBA is an additional test that detects antibodies to HCV. This test can tell whether a positive result was caused by an actual HCV infection or whether the result was a false-positive. This test may be done to double-check a positive EIA test result.
• HCV genetic material (RNA) testing uses polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify an active hepatitis C infection. The RNA can be found in a person's blood within 1 to 2 weeks after exposure to the virus. HCV RNA testing may be done to double-check a positive result on an HCV antibody test, measure the level of virus in the blood (called viral load), or show how well a person with HCV is responding to treatment.
  • HCV quantitative test (also called viral load) is often used before and during treatment to find out how long treatment needs to be given and to check how well treatment is working.
  • HCV viral genotyping is used to find out which genotype of the HCV virus is present. HCV has 6 genotypes, and some are easier to treat than others.

There is no vaccine available to prevent hepatitis C.

Why It Is Done

Hepatitis C virus testing is done to:

• Find out if a hepatitis C infection is the cause of abnormal liver function tests.
• Screen people (such as doctors, dentists, and nurses) who have an increased chance of getting or spreading a hepatitis C infection.
• Screen potential blood donors and donor organs to prevent the spread of hepatitis C.
• Identify the type of hepatitis C virus causing the infection.

How To Prepare

You do not need to do anything before you have this test.

Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have regarding the need for the test, its risks, how it will be done, or what the results will mean. To help you understand the importance of this test, fill out the medical test information form (What is a PDF document?).