All tests › Infection and immunity tests

Hepatitis C antibody

Infection and immunity tests · also printed as Anti-HCV, HCV Ab, Hep C antibody, Hepatitis C Ab, HCV antibody

Typical UK adult rangeExpected result: Negative

Negative is the expected result.

What this test measures

The hepatitis C antibody shows that the immune system has met the hepatitis C virus at some point. It stays positive for life, even after the infection has been cleared or cured.

Why doctors request it

Part of hepatitis screening, offered to anyone with possible exposure, and now widely available as a self-test in the UK.

What commonly pushes it up

Past or current hepatitis C infection
Rarely, a false positive in the general population, which is why a positive is confirmed with an RNA test

What commonly pushes it down

A negative result is the usual finding

Everyday reasons for a value outside the range

Results can be equivocal and are then repeated
Recent vaccination or infection elsewhere can occasionally give a weak positive

About the sample

No fasting needed.

Written by a UK consultant physician. Typical UK adult reference ranges; your laboratory's own printed range takes precedence.

Got a report with Hepatitis C antibody on it?

Upload a photo or PDF and see every line against the range your lab printed, explained in plain English. First report free.

Read my report free

This is an educational summary of results you uploaded. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis or a treatment plan, and it does not replace the doctor who requested the test. If you are worried, or a result is marked outside range, discuss it with your doctor. Written and reviewed by a UK consultant physician. Reference ranges vary between laboratories.