Hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody - serum specimen
- LIS Mnemonic: HCVAB
Collect
Gold (SST - Clot activator & gel)
Volume Required
2 ml blood
Minimum Required
1 ml serum
Transport
A total of 2-4 ml of blood (for every 2-3 HIV and Hepatitis tests ordered) should be collected and submitted at room temperature to the laboratory.
Days Performed
Monday thru Friday
Reported
Daily
CPT
86803
Methodology
Microparticle Enzyme Immunoassay
Disease Information
Utility:
Detecting HCV-specific IgG antibody by enzyme immunoassay remains the first choice for diagnosis of HCV infection. Antibodies to HCV become detectable during the course of illness, with 50-70% of patients having anti-HCV antibodies at the onset of symptoms and approximately 90% of patients having an HCV-specific antibody response within 3 months after onset of infection. Anti-HCV antibodies persist in the serum of most patients that have been infected, but loss of antibody may occur in individuals with resolved acute infection, immunosuppressed organ transplant recipients and those with HIV, and following interferon therapy. Antibodies to HCV can be demonstrated in virtually all patients with chronic HCV hepatitis. The presence of anti-HCV IgG indicates that an individual may have been infected with HCV in the past or may have an ongoing HCV infection. Supplemental PCR testing for the molecular amplification of HCV RNA is used to discriminate chronic HCV infections from resolved acute infections in patients who are positive for HCV antibody. The “window period” from infection to seroconversion can be quite long for HCV, as antibody responses may not be detectable until 10 weeks after the onset of hepatitis. Therefore, sensitive molecular-based assays for the detection of HCV RNA can be used to detect HCV within 2-3 weeks following exposure to the virus to detect HCV-infected individuals prior to specific antibody production.
Interpretation
The presence of HCV antibody is indicative of either a past or present infection with hepatitis C virus. Virtually all patients with chronic HCV infection will be positive for HCV antibody. A positive screening serological test for HCV antibody should be followed by a PCR test to confirm the presence or absence of HCV RNA in the individual’s blood. A negative result is indicative of no evidence of a recent, past or chronic infection with HCV. It does not exclude the possibility of exposure to or early acute infection with HCV. Individuals with recent HCV infections (<3 months from time of exposure) may have false-negative HCV antibody results due to the length of time it takes to seroconvert following initial infection. If you suspect an acute HCV infection, please also order an HCV RNA PCR. HCV RNA can be detected in blood within 1-3 weeks of exposure.
Reference Values
Negative or nonreactive for hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody
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