Hepatitis C (HCV) Antibody
CPT Code(s):
86803
Turnaround Time:
24 - 48 hours
Specimen Requirements
Preferred Specimen:
Serum
Minimum Volume:
1.0 mL
Transport Container:
Serum Separator Tube (SST) or Red Top Tube
Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature
Collection Instructions:
Allow blood to clot completely prior to centrifugation. Separate serum from cells within 45 minutes of collection.
Rejection Criteria:
Sodium Citrate plasma; gross hemolysis; lipemia; improper labeling
Stability Criteria
Room Temperature:
3 days
Refrigerated:
21 days
Frozen:
90 days
Clinical Significance
Hepatitis C Antibody holds specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in the detection of antibodies against the hepatitis C virus (HCV) in a patient's blood. It is an initial screening test used to identify individuals who have been exposed to HCV.
The specific clinical significance and diagnostic use of Hepatitis C Antibody include:
1. HCV Infection Screening: The test is primarily used to screen individuals for HCV infection. It detects antibodies produced by the immune system in response to HCV infection. A positive result indicates exposure to HCV, but it does not distinguish between current or resolved infection. Further testing is necessary to confirm active infection and assess the need for treatment.
2. Identifying Chronic HCV Infection: Chronic HCV infection occurs when the virus persists in the body for more than six months. A positive Hepatitis C Antibody result may indicate past or ongoing infection. Additional tests, such as HCV RNA or HCV viral load, are necessary to confirm the presence of active viral replication and determine the need for antiviral treatment.
3. Assessing HCV Treatment Eligibility: Hepatitis C Antibody is used to determine if an individual is eligible for HCV treatment. Positive antibody results indicate previous exposure to HCV and may prompt further evaluation with HCV RNA testing and liver function assessments to assess the need for antiviral therapy and the extent of liver damage.
4. Monitoring HCV Clearance: The test is used to monitor the clearance of HCV following successful antiviral therapy. Negative antibody results after treatment suggest that the virus has been effectively eliminated from the body, indicating treatment success.
5. Pre-Transplant Evaluation: Hepatitis C Antibody is performed as part of the pre-transplant evaluation process for individuals awaiting organ transplantation. It helps identify individuals who have been exposed to HCV and may require additional testing and management before transplantation.
6. Public Health Surveillance: The test plays a crucial role in public health surveillance efforts for monitoring the prevalence and incidence of HCV infection within a community or population. Data obtained from the test helps guide public health strategies, such as prevention programs, treatment initiatives, and targeted interventions.
It is important to note that a positive Hepatitis C Antibody does not differentiate between resolved infection and ongoing active infection. Additional testing, including HCV RNA testing and liver function assessments, is necessary to confirm active infection and assess the need for treatment.
In summary, Hepatitis C Antibody is specifically used for screening individuals for HCV infection, identifying chronic infection, assessing treatment eligibility, monitoring treatment outcomes, and contributing to public health surveillance efforts. Timely detection and management of HCV infection are critical for preventing liver-related complications and reducing the transmission of the virus.