Hepatitis C Blood Test, from our experts to you.
Dr Sam Rodgers MBBS, MRCGP

Chief Medical Officer meet our doctors

Expert Image

What is
HCV?

Hepatitis C (HCV) is a virus that can infect and severely damage the liver. The virus can be transmitted through unprotected sex, sharing needles, and from a mother to her unborn baby.


What do HCV antibodies
in my blood mean?

Your body will produce HCV antibodies in response to exposure to the hepatitis C virus. Detecting antibodies in your blood indicates a previous HCV infection (even if it was so mild you did not realise you had it).


What can I learn
from this HCV test?

This test alone cannot confirm that you still have an active viral infection, only that you were exposed to the virus. If you receive a positive result, we will recommend further testing to investigate further.


What's Included?

Immunity
Select profile for more information

Hepatitis C antibodies Hepatitis C is a virus that can infect and damage the liver. It is mainly transmitted through sharing needles while injecting drugs, through unprotected sex with an infected person and can also be passed from mother to baby. Many who are infected with the virus are unaware as there are often no noticeable symptoms. However, a chronic hepatitis C infection can cause cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) which can lead to chronic liver disease. Hepatitis C antibodies are produced by the body in response to exposure to the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Testing for these antibodies in the blood helps to identify a hepatitis C infection.

How to prepare
for your test?

Special Instructions

Prepare for your Hepatitis C Blood Test by following these instructions. Do not take biotin supplements for two days before this test, discuss this with your doctor if it is prescribed.