Anti-HCV (Hepatitis C Antibody)

Tube Type

Test ID

LAB868

EPIC Order

HEPATITIS C VIRAL ANTIBODY

CPT Code(s)

86803

Group/Individual Test

Individual

Laboratory

Clinical Immunology

Tube Station

Specimen

Routine:

2 mL blood/Gold SST tube X 2: (2 Tubes to accommodate possible reflex testing for the Medical Center).

Availability

Routine:

7 days

STAT:

N/A

Turnaround Time

1- 3 Days

Reference Range

Normal:

Negative

Comment

Specimens submitted for Hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody testing are assayed using a chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay for the determination of IgG and IgM antibodies against recombinant Hepatitis C virus proteins on the Abbott Architect system. Results are reported as nonreactive, reactive or equivocal. This assay provides a qualitative determination of HCV antibody which, if detected, provides presumptive evidence of HCV infection. However, the presence of antibody alone cannot distinguish resolved infection from current infection.
Reactive and equivocal samples are automatically reflexed to HCV RNA viral load testing for confirmation of HCV infection status. See HCV testing guidelines for additional information.

HCV Antibody Result	HCV RNA Result	Interpretation/Further Action
Non-reactive	Not indicated	Non-reactive for HCV antibody. No further action necessary unless recent exposure is suspected. For immunocompromised, consider HCV RNA testing
Reactive	RNA detected	Current HCV infection. Counsel appropriately and link to care
Reactive	RNA not detected	No current HCV infection. No further action required. If distinction between true positive and false positive HCV antibody screening test is desired, test with a different HCV antibody assay (contact referral testing laboratory (984-974-1414) for further information). If exposure within last 6 months is suspected or there is clinical evidence of HCV disease, follow up HCV RNA testing is recommended.

Reviewed by J. Carr on November 03, 2025

UNC Hospitals
McLendon Clinical Laboratories
101 Manning Drive
Chapel Hill, NC 27514