AsseyMethod: Elisa
Abbrevation: HCV Ab
Sector: Hormone 2
SampleType: s
S.Vol: -
Transport: at 2-8˚c, -20˚c
Storage: 1 week at 2-8˚c for longer time at -20˚c
Test Name: Hepatittid C Viruse Antibodies
Normal Range: -
To screen for and diagnose a hepatitis C virus infection and to monitor treatment of the infection
If you may have been exposed to/have risk factors for the hepatitis C virus, such as through contact with infected blood, sexual relations with an infected person, IV drug use or you have symptoms associated with liver disease
A blood sample taken from a vein in your arm
None
Hepatitis C is a virus that can infect and damage the liver. In most cases, it is contracted through exposure to blood (usually from sharing contaminated needles while injecting drugs or, before 1992, through a blood transfusion), through sex with an infected person, via healthcare occupational exposure and it can also be passed from mother to baby.
Many people who are infected with Hepatitis C are not aware they are as acute infection produces few to mild non-specific symptoms. However Hepatitis C can also exist as a chronic (longstanding) infection and you can show no signs of this for a number of years (even decades) but it can then cause significant liver damage. About 65-75% of those infected can develop chronic liver disease with 20-30% of these developing cirrhosis over many years.
Hepatitis C antibody is produced by the body in response to exposure to the hepatitis C virus (HCV). The most common test for HCV looks for these antibodies in your blood. Some first line tests are also looking for the hepatitis C antigen, which the virus itself produces, as well as your antibody response. Other tests detect the presence of and actual amount of virus present or determine the specific subtype of virus.
How is the sample collected for testing?
A blood sample is taken by needle from a vein in your arm.
Is any test preparation needed to ensure the quality of the sample?
No test preparation is needed.