Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Antibody

HEPATITIS C VIRUS (HCV) ANTIBODY

Description:
There are several types of hepatitis – each caused by a different hepatitis virus. Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that can be contracted through unprotected sex, using contaminated needles, or other causes. The Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Test only tests for Hepatitis C (You may want to consider the Hepatitis Panel, also available).
Common Variations of Hepatitis:
• Hepatitis A can be caused by consuming contaminated water or food.
• Hepatitis B can be contracted through sharing contaminated needles, having unprotected sex, or being exposed to infected blood from another person.
• Hepatitis C can be spread by blood from contaminated needles during drug use or tattooing as well as by having unprotected sex.

Why Do I Need It?:
Hepatitis C often leads to chronic hepatitis, which can progress to cirrhosis and even liver cancer. Early detection of the virus can alert your physician to follow your liver function tests more closely to consider treatments if you have a chronic infection.

Test Details:
Normal Range:
If your result is positive, you have probably been infected with Hepatitis C. You may not even have any symptoms. Your physician may want you to have further testing to confirm a positive test. If your result is negative, this indicates that you have not been infected with Hepatitis C.
High Results Indicate:
There are no high results for this test. Test result will show a negative or positive
Low Results Indicate:
There are no low results for this test. Test result will show a negative or positive.

What Type of Physician Should You See?
If you test results are positive, you should see your primary care physician.

Click here for more information about Hepatitis