Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Antibody

There are several types of hepatitis – each caused by a different hepatitis virus. Viral hepatitis can be contracted through unprotected sex, using contaminated needles, or other causes. The Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Test only tests for Hepatitis C (You may want to consider the Hepatitis Panel, also available).

Common Variations of Hepatitis:

* Hepatitis A can be caused by consuming contaminated water or food.
* Hepatitis B can be contracted through sharing contaminated needles, having unprotected sex, or being exposed to infected blood from another person.
* Hepatitis C can be spread by blood from contaminated needles during drug use or tattooing as well as by having unprotected sex.

Why Do I Need It?:

Hepatitis C often leads to chronic hepatitis, which can progress to cirrhosis and even liver cancer. Early detection of the virus can alert your physician to follow your liver function tests more closely to consider treatments if you have a chronic infection.


If your result is positive, you have probably been infected with Hepatitis C. You may not even have any symptoms. If your result is negative, this indicates that you have not been infected with Hepatitis C.