HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Hepatitis C Virus Tests
Results
The Reference hepatitis C Opens New Window virus (HCV) test is a blood test that looks for the genetic material (Reference RNA Opens New Window) of the hepatitis C virus or for the proteins (Reference antibodies Opens New Window) the body makes against HCV.
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. |
|---|---|
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No hepatitis C genetic material (RNA) is found. |
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| 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. |
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Hepatitis C RNA is detected. This result means a current hepatitis C virus infection. |
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference July 6, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | Reference E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Reference W. Thomas London, MD - Hepatology |
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