Anti Hepatitis C Virus (Anti HCV) – Total Test

The Anti Hepatitis C Virus (Anti HCV) – Total Test is performed for the screening and diagnosis of Hepatitis C infection and to monitor treatment response in infected individuals. Hepatitis C is a viral infection that primarily affects the liver and is caused by the Hepatitis C virus (HCV). It is one of the five major hepatitis viruses — A, B, C, D, and E.

In many individuals, Hepatitis C infection remains asymptomatic in the early stages, but once chronic infection develops, it can lead to serious liver complications such as fibrosis, cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer if left untreated.

The Hepatitis C virus spreads through blood-to-blood contact, including:

• Exposure to contaminated blood or blood products
• Organ transplants
• Sharing infected needles (IV drug use)
• Needle-stick injuries and blood splashes
• Tattoos and body piercings with unsterilized equipment
• Sharing personal items like razors, toothbrushes, and nail cutters
• Sexual contact with an infected person
• Transmission from mother to baby

This test detects Anti-HCV antibodies, which appear in the blood after exposure to the virus. A positive result indicates current or past infection, and further confirmatory tests may be required for active infection assessment.

The Anti HCV – Total Test is strongly recommended for:

• Individuals with unexplained liver disorders
• People with past blood transfusions
• Healthcare workers
• IV drug users
• High-risk sexual exposure
• Pre-surgical screening
• Routine liver health evaluation

This is a blood antibody screening test used to detect Anti-HCV antibodies, indicating exposure to the Hepatitis C virus.