Hepatitis C Antibody (Anti-HCV) Test

This test detects antibodies your immune system produces in response to infection with the Hepatitis C virus, and it serves as the primary, first-line screening test for Hepatitis C exposure.

Hepatitis C is often called a 'silent' infection because many people experience no noticeable symptoms for years or even decades, even as the virus gradually causes liver inflammation and, in some cases, progressive scarring.

A positive antibody result indicates you've been exposed to the virus at some point, but it doesn't distinguish between a current, active infection and one your body may have already cleared on its own — that distinction requires a separate, follow-up test measuring the virus directly.

Because effective, well-tolerated antiviral treatments are now available that can cure the vast majority of Hepatitis C infections, early detection through screening has become increasingly important for public health.