Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Antibody Test

This blood test is used to detect the presence of hepatitis C antibodies, to determine whether or not an individual may have been exposed to Hepatitis C.

Hepatitis C is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that mainly affects the liver. Hepatitis C (HCV) is spread by contact with blood or bodily fluids from a person infected with the virus. There is not currently a vaccine/immunization for Hepatitis C.

Often there are no or few symptoms that arise with hepatitis C.

Symptoms that may occur with hepatitis C are:

• Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes, skin and darkening of urine)
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue

Those at risk of getting hepatitis C are:

• Drug users who share needles/equipment
• Persons with HIV
• Babies who are born to mothers with hepatitis C
• Individuals who received blood/organs from donors before July of 1992
• Individuals born between 1945-1965

Avoid infection by:

• Not sharing needles/drug equipment
• Using condoms during sex
• Being cautious when getting tattoos or body piercings (be sure equipment has no one else's blood on it)
• Not sharing razors/razor blades

Check out our other STD Tests

Go back to see all our STD tests or here are some common ones:

• Comprehensive STD Panel
• Ultimate STD Test Panel
• HIV 4th Generation Duo Antigen/Antibody Test
• HIV RNA Test
• Syphilis, RPR Test
• Trichomoniasis Test