Hepatitis C Virus Total Antibody, Immunochromatography
Understanding Hepatitis C Virus Total Antibody, Immunochromatography
What is Hepatitis C Virus Total Antibody, Immunochromatography?
Hepatitis C virus total antibody test is performed to detect and diagnose hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. This virus commonly infects the liver and with time becomes chronic and may cause liver damage and liver failure. This test detects the antibodies produced against HCV. Hepatitis C antibody tests are used to screen individuals with risk factors, people who have symptoms associated with hepatitis, or those who have been exposed to the virus.
In case of a reactive or positive antibody test, an additional test is conducted to check if you currently have hepatitis C infection. However, if no HCV is detected, then the person does not have an active infection.
What is Hepatitis C Virus Total Antibody, Immunochromatography used for?
- For screening of hepatitis C infection when you have risk factors for HCV infection
- For diagnosis of hepatitis C when you may have been exposed to the hepatitis C virus such as through contact with infected blood, or have symptoms associated with liver disease
What does Hepatitis C Virus Total Antibody, Immunochromatography measure?
Hepatitis C is one of the five hepatitis viruses identified so far, including A, B, D, and E, that are known to cause the disease. HCV causes liver inflammation and damage. It is spread by exposure to contaminated blood, sharing of needles by intravenous drug users, sharing personal items contaminated by blood such as razors, through sex with an infected person, via healthcare occupational exposure, and, less commonly, from mother to baby during childbirth.
It has been observed that most infected people do not see any symptoms (asymptomatic) which makes them unaware of the condition. The acute HCV infection may cause few to mild nonspecific symptoms. This chronic infection may not show any symptoms for a decade or two before causing sufficient liver damage to affect liver function.
Hepatitis C antibody tests are used to screen individuals with risk factors, people who have symptoms associated with hepatitis or liver disease, or those who have been exposed to the virus.
It is possible that the antibody test remains positive even after clearing the infection. So to further diagnose, the test is followed by a hepatitis C RNA test. This test detects the genetic material of the virus. A positive result on the RNA test may indicate the virus is present, the infection has not resolved, and the requirement of treatment.
Many times, a liver panel test is also prescribed by the physician which will include a hepatitis C test to help assess the health of the liver.
Interpreting Hepatitis C Virus Total Antibody, Immunochromatography results
Interpretations
HCV antibody test can be reported as "positive" or "negative." In general, if the HCV antibody test is positive, it means that the individual tested is infected or has likely been infected at some time with hepatitis C. If the HCV RNA test is positive, then the person has a current infection. However, if no HCV viral RNA is detected, then the person either does not have an active infection or the virus present is very low in numbers.
HCV Antibody |
HCV RNA test |
Interpretation |
Negative |
|
No infection or too early after exposure for the test to be accurate; if suspicion remains high, retest at a later time may be required. |
Positive or Indeterminate |
Negative |
Past infection or no infection (false positive screen); additional tests may be required |
Positive or Weak or Indeterminate |
Positive |
Current infection |
Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Hepatitis C Virus Total Antibody, Immunochromatography
Frequently Asked Questions about Hepatitis C Virus Total Antibody, Immunochromatography
Q. Who should get screened for hepatitis C?
Q. What are the other tests which may be required along with HCV antibody testing?
Q. How does hepatitis C spread?
Q. What is chronic hepatitis C?
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