Home Biomarkers HCV AB

HCV AB

Hepatitis Biomarker

Sample Needed

Collection Type: Blood

Body System

Related System: Hepatitis

Overview

The HCV Ab (Hepatitis C antibody) test detects antibodies produced by the immune system in response to infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV). It does not directly detect the virus but indicates whether a person has been exposed to HCV in the past or currently. A reactive (positive) antibody result suggests past or current infection and requires a follow-up nucleic acid (HCV RNA) test to confirm active viral replication. Symptoms that may prompt testing include fatigue, jaundice, dark urine, abdominal pain, and unexplained liver enzyme elevation. Results can vary with timing after exposure (antibodies may not be present during the early "window" period), immune status (immunosuppressed persons may not mount typical antibody responses), and population prevalence (older birth cohorts and people with high‑risk exposures have higher positivity rates).

People also test for

Test Preparation

No special preparation is required

Why Do I Need This Test

Profile: Hepatitis panel / viral hepatitis screening.
Symptoms: Jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, unexplained elevated liver enzymes, or signs of chronic liver disease.
Conditions: Detects prior or current HCV exposure; used to screen and to prompt confirmatory HCV RNA testing for active infection.
Reasons for abnormal: Recent or past HCV infection, false positives in low‑prevalence settings, or cross‑reactivity.
Biological meaning: A reactive antibody shows immune exposure; does not by itself prove active infection.
Behaviors/family history: IV drug use, blood transfusion before 1992, high‑risk sexual/occupational exposures, tattoos, or family history of hepatitis C increase the need for testing.

Run our symptom checker to see if this test is right for you

Symptom Checker

Understanding Test Results

Non‑reactive (Negative): No detectable anti‑HCV antibodies likely no prior exposure OR testing performed during the early window period (antibodies may take 6–12 weeks to appear).
In high‑risk or recently exposed persons, repeat testing or HCV RNA may be indicated.
Reactive (Positive): Detectable anti‑HCV antibodies indicates prior exposure to HCV but does not distinguish resolved infection from active infection.
Confirm with HCV RNA (PCR): RNA positive active infection requiring evaluation/treatment; RNA negative past cleared infection or false positive antibody.
Special considerations: immunocompromised patients can have false‑negative antibody tests; low signal or borderline reactive results have higher false‑positive rates in low‑prevalence populations and may need repeat testing or confirmatory assays.

Normal Range

Non‑reactive Negative No detectable anti‑HCV antibodies (reporting typically as "Negative" or "Non‑reactive")

FAQs

Q: What does HCV AB mean?

A: HCV Ab means hepatitis C virus antibody. A positive HCV‑Ab indicates past exposure to hepatitis C but does not prove current infection. A follow‑up HCV RNA (PCR) test is needed to confirm active viral replication. A negative HCV‑Ab usually means no prior exposure, though antibodies can take weeks to months to appear, so retesting or RNA testing may be advised after recent exposure.

Q: What is the HCV AB normal range?

A: The normal result for HCV antibody (anti‑HCV) testing is \

Q: Is HCV AB curable?

A: A positive HCV antibody (HCV Ab) means past exposure, not necessarily active infection. Active hepatitis C (HCV RNA positive) is curable in >95% of people with 8–12 weeks of direct‑acting antiviral therapy. If antibody positive but RNA negative, there’s no active infection and no treatment is needed. RNA testing confirms current infection.

Q: Which is more serious, hepatitis AB or C?

A: Hepatitis C is generally more serious long-term than hepatitis A or B because it more often becomes chronic, leading to cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer if untreated. Hepatitis A causes only acute, usually self-limited illness. Hepatitis B can become chronic and cause similar complications—especially when acquired at birth—but overall HCV historically causes more chronic liver disease; effective antiviral cures exist.

Q: Is a positive antibody test good or bad?

A: A positive antibody test shows your immune system has previously encountered the virus or vaccine and usually indicates some level of protection. It isn’t a guarantee of complete or lasting immunity, and antibody levels vary by test, time since exposure and individual factors. It does not confirm active infection. For precise interpretation and next steps, discuss results with your healthcare provider.

Q: How accurate is the HCV Ab test in diagnosing hepatitis C?

A: The HCV antibody (Ab) test is highly sensitive and specific (≈97–99%), so it's reliable for detecting past exposure to hepatitis C. It cannot distinguish active from cleared infection, and early infection (window period) or severe immunosuppression can cause false negatives; false positives are uncommon. A positive antibody test should be followed by an HCV RNA (PCR) test to confirm current infection.