Hepatitis C Virus Tests: Results
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Results
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) test is a blood test that looks for proteins (antibodies) the body makes against HCV or for the genetic material (RNA) of the hepatitis C virus.
Results of hepatitis C virus testing that show no infection are called negative. This means that no antibodies against HCV or HCV genetic material was found. Results are usually available in 5 to 7 days.
| Normal (negative): | No hepatitis C antibodies are found. |
|---|---|
No hepatitis C genetic material (RNA) is found. | |
| Abnormal (positive): | Hepatitis C antibodies are found. A test to detect HCV RNA is needed to determine whether the infection is current or occurred in the past. If HCV RNA is found, genotyping can determine which strain of HCV is causing the infection. |
Hepatitis C genetic material (RNA) is detected. This result indicates a current hepatitis C virus infection. |
| Last updated: | August 27, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS |
| Reviewed By: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, W. Thomas London, MD - Hepatology |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC |
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