What is this test?
Anti-HCV is a blood screening test for antibodies to hepatitis C virus. A reactive result may represent current infection, past infection, or non-specific reactivity and does not show by itself whether virus is present now.
Why might it be ordered?
- For screening based on age, pregnancy, medical history, or risk exposure recommendations.
- After possible blood exposure or findings that lead a clinician to consider hepatitis C.
- As the first step before HCV RNA when the antibody screen is reactive.
What sample is needed?
A blood specimen is used. Ask whether the laboratory provides automatic follow-up HCV RNA testing after a reactive anti-HCV result.
How should you prepare?
Special dietary preparation is usually unnecessary. Report when exposure may have occurred and whether you are immunosuppressed, because this affects test choice and timing.
How should you understand the result?
A non-reactive result usually means antibodies were not detected, but testing may be too early after exposure. Reactive anti-HCV does not distinguish current from resolved infection; HCV RNA is needed to identify current infection.
Sources and editorial status
This patient-facing text is an editorial draft. It should be approved by a laboratory physician before official publication.