Hep C Test

The Hep C Test test contains 1 test with 2 biomarkers .

Brief Description: The Hep C test, is a two-step diagnostic process used to detect and confirm hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The first step involves screening for hepatitis C antibodies, which are proteins produced by the immune system in response to HCV exposure. If the antibody test is positive, the test automatically reflexes to the second step, which is a quantitative real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test to measure the amount of HCV RNA in the blood. This reflex testing provides a comprehensive evaluation, confirming active infection and determining the viral load, which is critical for diagnosis and treatment planning.

Also Known As: Hepatitis C Antibody Test, Anti HCV Test, HCV Antibody Test, Hep C Antibody Test

Testing Method: Immunoassay

Collection Method: Blood Draw 
Specimen Type: 4 mL Serum 

Test Preparation: No preparation required

When is a Hep C test ordered?

The Hep C test is typically ordered when a healthcare provider suspects a patient may have been exposed to the hepatitis C virus. This suspicion may arise due to risk factors such as a history of intravenous drug use, receiving blood transfusions or organ transplants before 1992, or having unprotected sex with an infected partner. The test is also recommended for individuals with symptoms of liver disease, such as fatigue, jaundice, dark urine, or abdominal pain, which could indicate chronic hepatitis C infection. Additionally, the test is part of routine screening for certain populations, including adults born between 1945 and 1965, who have a higher prevalence of HCV, and individuals with HIV or other conditions that increase the risk of co-infection.

What does a Hep C test check for?

The Hep C test checks for two key components of hepatitis C infection. The first step detects hepatitis C antibodies, which indicate exposure to the virus at some point in the patient’s life. However, the presence of antibodies alone does not confirm an active infection, as they can remain in the blood even after the virus has been cleared. If the antibody test is positive, the reflex step measures HCV RNA, the genetic material of the virus, using a highly sensitive real-time PCR method. This step confirms whether the virus is actively replicating in the body and quantifies the viral load, providing essential information about the severity of the infection.

Lab tests often ordered with a Hep C test:

When this testing is ordered, it's often part of a broader evaluation of liver health and infectious disease status. Here are some tests commonly ordered alongside it:

1. Liver Function Test:

   • Purpose: To assess liver health and function.
   • Why Is It Ordered: Hepatitis C can cause liver inflammation and damage, leading to elevated liver enzyme levels. These tests help evaluate the extent of liver damage.

2. Hepatitis B Panel:

   • Purpose: To test for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.
   • Why Is It Ordered: Co-infection with HBV and HCV is possible and can influence disease management and treatment decisions.

3. Complete Blood Count (CBC):

   • Purpose: Provides a broad picture of overall blood health.
   • Why Is It Ordered: To assess general health status and detect signs of anemia or other blood cell abnormalities, which can occur in chronic liver disease.

4. Prothrombin Time (PT/INR):

   • Purpose: To assess blood clotting function.
   • Why Is It Ordered: Liver damage can affect the production of clotting factors, so this test is important in assessing liver function.

5. Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP):

   • Purpose: To screen for liver cancer.
   • Why Is It Ordered: Chronic HCV infection increases the risk of developing liver cancer. AFP is a tumor marker used in screening.

These tests, when ordered alongside a Hepatitis C Antibody with Reflex to HCV RNA Quantitative PCR test, provide a comprehensive view of an individual’s hepatitis C status and overall liver health. They are crucial for confirming the diagnosis, assessing the severity of liver disease, evaluating co-infections, and planning effective treatment. The specific combination of tests will depend on the individual’s risk factors, symptoms, and the results of initial screenings.

Conditions where a Hep C test is recommended:

The Hep C test may be recommended in several situations. For individuals with risk factors such as a history of intravenous drug use, unprotected sex with multiple partners, or exposure to contaminated needles, the test is crucial for early detection. It is also recommended for those with unexplained liver abnormalities, such as elevated liver enzymes, or symptoms of liver disease. Pregnant individuals may be tested to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HCV. Additionally, the test is used to monitor patients who have been treated for hepatitis C to ensure the virus has been successfully cleared and to detect any potential reinfection.

How does my health care provider use a Hep C test?

A healthcare provider uses the results of the Hep C test to diagnose hepatitis C infection, determine the need for treatment, and monitor the effectiveness of therapy. A positive antibody test followed by a detectable HCV RNA result confirms an active infection, prompting the provider to initiate treatment with antiviral medications. The quantitative viral load helps assess the severity of the infection and guides treatment decisions. For patients undergoing treatment, a decreasing or undetectable viral load indicates a positive response to therapy. If the antibody test is positive but the HCV RNA is undetectable, it may suggest a past infection that has resolved, either spontaneously or due to prior treatment.

What do my Hep C test results mean?

The results of the Hep C test can have several interpretations. A negative antibody test generally indicates no exposure to HCV, though early infections may not yet produce detectable antibodies. A positive antibody test with detectable HCV RNA confirms an active hepatitis C infection, requiring further evaluation and treatment. A positive antibody test with undetectable HCV RNA may indicate a past infection that has been cleared, either naturally or through treatment. In some cases, a false-positive antibody result can occur due to other medical conditions or testing errors, which is why the reflex to HCV RNA testing is critical for accurate diagnosis. For patients undergoing treatment, a sustained undetectable viral load after completing therapy is considered a cure, known as a sustained virologic response (SVR).