HCV Reflex Profile - Serum

This test measures the presence of specific antibodies in your blood that indicate the presence of hepatitis C virus.

• To diagnose hepatitis C
• To monitor the disease progression
• To assess the efficacy of treatment
• To screen individuals who may be at high risk of infection, such as healthcare workers and injection drug users

You may be recommended this test if you have

• history of exposure to infected blood or blood products,
• HIV infection,
• chronic liver disease, like cirrhosis or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
• elevated liver enzymes, or
• a family member with hepatitis C.

A positive result indicates the presence of hepatitis C antibodies in your blood, which requires further testing to diagnose the active infection. Abnormal results may indicate that you have an active hepatitis C infection, or it might suggest a prior infection that has already been treated and resolved.

A healthcare professional will collect a blood sample from a vein in your arm. They will then send it to the laboratory for testing.

• Inform your doctor if you're taking any medications or supplements.
• Also, tell them if you have any specific requirements.
• Blood thinners like aspirin might affect your test results. Consult with your doctor if you are on any blood thinners.

• Liver function test: to assess your liver health
• A viral load test: to measure the amount of virus in your bloodstream
• An ultrasound, FibroScan, or a biopsy of the liver to assess liver damage or cirrhosis

Anti-HCV Test, HCV Antibody Screen, or Hepatitis C Antibody Test

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that affects your liver and can lead to serious health problems, including liver damage, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. It spreads through contact with infected blood primarily through sharing needles and other equipment used to inject drugs.