Hepatitis C Antibody (Anti-HCV) Test
Short Name: Anti-HCV Test
Also known as: Anti-HCV Test, HCV Antibody Test, Hepatitis C Screening Test, HCV Serology Test
Hepatitis C Antibody (Anti-HCV) Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹1,697. Uses CLIA (Chemiluminescent Immunoassay) on Serum samples. Results in Same day to 24 hours from sample receipt at the laboratory.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
🩺 Medically Reviewed By
Dr Kothari Ramesh Shantilal
Consultant Microbiologist · Reg: 27670
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026
Overview
The primary purpose of the Hepatitis C Antibody (Anti-HCV) test is to screen for exposure to the Hepatitis C virus. It is used as the first-line screening assay to identify individuals who may have been infected with HCV at any point in their lives. If the antibody test is reactive (positive), confirmatory HCV RNA testing by PCR is performed to determine whether the infection is currently active or has been resolved. This test is also used for blood bank screening, pre-surgical evaluation, and routine health checkups in at-risk populations.
- Test Code
- 724
- Price
- ₹1,697
- Sample Type
- Serum
- Result Time
- Same day to 24 hours from sample receipt at the laboratory.
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- CLIA (Chemiluminescent Immunoassay)
Sample Collection
No special preparation, fasting, or dietary restrictions are required before sample collection. Inform your healthcare provider about any medications or immunosuppressive conditions.
Method: Venipuncture
Laboratory Analysis
A trained phlebotomist will collect approximately 2 mL of blood from a vein in your arm using a sterile needle. The procedure takes less than 5 minutes and involves minimal discomfort.
Report Delivery
After blood collection, gentle pressure will be applied to the puncture site with a cotton ball or bandage. You may resume normal activities immediately. Mild bruising at the site is uncommon but possible.
Timeline: Same day to 24 hours from sample receipt at the laboratory.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
The primary purpose of the Hepatitis C Antibody (Anti-HCV) test is to screen for exposure to the Hepatitis C virus. It is used as the first-line screening assay to identify individuals who may have been infected with HCV at any point in their lives. If the antibody test is reactive (positive), confirmatory HCV RNA testing by PCR is performed to determine whether the infection is currently active or has been resolved. This test is also used for blood bank screening, pre-surgical evaluation, and routine health checkups in at-risk populations.
How to Prepare
- No fasting required before the test
- Stay well hydrated before sample collection
- Inform the phlebotomist about any bleeding disorders or blood-thinning medications
- Wear short-sleeved or loose-fitting clothing for easy access to the arm
- Carry a valid photo ID and the doctor's prescription or booking confirmation
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Kothari Ramesh Shantilal — MBBS, MD (Microbiology) · Reg. No. 27670
"The Anti-HCV antibody test remains the cornerstone of Hepatitis C screening. A positive screening result must always be followed by HCV RNA (PCR) testing to confirm active viremia. Early detection is critical because modern direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapies offer cure rates exceeding 95%. I recommend that all adults aged 18 and above undergo at least one-time screening, and individuals with ongoing risk factors should be tested periodically. The window period for antibody detection can extend beyond 6 months post-exposure, so a negative result in a recently exposed individual should be repeated."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Hemolyzed, lipemic, or icteric samples
- Samples collected in incorrect tubes (non-SST)
- Insufficient sample volume (less than 1 mL)
- Samples received at room temperature beyond 2 hours of collection
- Unlabeled or mislabeled samples
Understanding Your Results
Non-reactive (Negative)
No Hepatitis C antibodies were detected in the blood. This generally indicates no past or present HCV infection. However, if exposure was recent (within the last 6 months), a repeat test may be recommended due to the window period. False negatives can also occur in immunocompromised individuals.
Reactive (Positive)
Hepatitis C antibodies were detected, indicating exposure to HCV at some point. This does not confirm an active infection — the immune system may have cleared the virus on its own. A confirmatory HCV RNA (PCR) test is required to determine if the infection is currently active. If HCV RNA is detected, the patient has chronic or active Hepatitis C and requires specialist evaluation and treatment.
Indeterminate
The result falls in a borderline range and cannot be clearly classified. Repeat testing after 2–4 weeks or an alternative confirmatory assay is recommended.
Consult an infectious disease specialist or hepatologist if your Anti-HCV test result is reactive (positive). Additional tests including HCV RNA quantitative PCR, HCV genotyping, and liver function tests will be ordered to assess the infection status and guide treatment. Also consult a doctor if you have risk factors for HCV exposure, unexplained liver enzyme elevation, or symptoms such as fatigue, jaundice, abdominal pain, or dark urine.
Limitations
- ⚠This test detects antibodies and cannot differentiate between past resolved infection and current active infection
- ⚠A reactive result requires confirmatory HCV RNA testing by PCR
- ⚠False negatives may occur during the early window period (first 2–6 months of infection)
- ⚠False positives may occur in low-risk populations; confirmatory testing is essential
- ⚠This test does not provide information about viral load, genotype, or liver damage
Risks & Considerations
- ●Minor bruising or discomfort at the blood draw site
- ●Very slight risk of infection at the puncture site
- ●Rarely, lightheadedness or fainting during blood collection
Interfering Factors
- ●Very early infection (window period) — antibodies may not yet be detectable if tested within the first 2–6 weeks of exposure
- ●Immunocompromised patients (e.g., organ transplant recipients, HIV/AIDS patients) may have delayed or absent antibody response
- ●Hemolyzed or lipemic samples may interfere with assay accuracy
- ●Recent blood transfusion may affect results due to passive antibody transfer
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | Hepatitis C Antibody (Anti-HCV) Test | HCV RNA (PCR) Test | HCV Genotyping | Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) | Liver Function Test (LFT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | Hepatitis C Antibody (Anti-HCV) Test | Detects active viral RNA; used to confirm active infection after a positive antibody test. The antibody test is a screening tool; the RNA test is confirmatory. | Identifies the specific HCV genotype (1–6) to guide treatment selection. Performed only after confirming active infection. | Screens for Hepatitis B infection, a different hepatitis virus. Often ordered alongside Anti-HCV in hepatitis panels. | Assesses liver health by measuring enzymes and proteins. Does not diagnose HCV but helps evaluate liver damage caused by hepatitis. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hepatitis C Antibody (Anti-HCV) test?
Why is the Anti-HCV test recommended?
What sample is required for the Anti-HCV test?
Do I need to fast before the Anti-HCV test?
What does a positive (reactive) Anti-HCV result mean?
What happens if my Anti-HCV test is positive?
How accurate is the Anti-HCV test?
Can Hepatitis C be cured?
How is Hepatitis C transmitted?
What is the cost of the Hepatitis C Antibody test in India?
Is home sample collection available for the Anti-HCV test?
When should I get tested for Hepatitis C?
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