Hepatitis C Antibody (Anti-HCV)
This blood test looks for antibodies your immune system makes against the hepatitis C virus (HCV), a virus that affects the liver. It is the usual first step in screening for hepatitis C.
Hepatitis C can be present for years without symptoms, and untreated long-term infection can gradually harm the liver. The antibody test is a screening tool that shows whether you have ever been exposed to the virus. Importantly, modern medications can cure most hepatitis C infections, so identifying it opens the door to effective treatment.
A positive (reactive) result means hepatitis C antibodies were detected, indicating you have been exposed to the virus at some point. It does not by itself confirm a current, active infection, because antibodies can remain even after the virus has cleared or been cured. A follow-up test that looks for the virus itself (an HCV RNA test) is needed to confirm whether you currently have an active infection. Your clinician will arrange this next step.
A negative (non-reactive) result means no hepatitis C antibodies were detected, which usually means you have not been infected. Because antibodies can take weeks to develop after exposure, a very recent infection could occasionally be missed, and repeat testing may be advised if there has been a recent possible exposure.
The expected, normal result is negative (non-reactive). Any positive antibody result should be followed by an HCV RNA test to determine whether the infection is currently active, and your clinician will guide you through confirmation and, if needed, treatment.
Sources
Educational context only, not medical advice or a diagnosis. Reference ranges vary by lab, age and sex; always discuss your results with a clinician.