Understanding the Hepatitis C Virus Antibodies blood test

The Hepatitis C Virus Antibodies blood test detects antibodies produced by the immune system in response to Hepatitis C Virus infection. These antibodies usually develop within weeks to months after exposure and remain detectable long-term, even if the virus has been cleared.

This test does not detect the virus itself. Instead, it indicates whether a person has ever been exposed to Hepatitis C Virus at any point in their life. A positive antibody result therefore requires follow-up viral load testing to determine whether infection is currently active.

Because Hepatitis C infection is often silent for many years, antibody testing is a critical screening tool for early identification and prevention of long-term liver damage.

When testing for Hepatitis C Virus Antibodies is clinically appropriate

This test is recommended as a first-line investigation when there is a possibility of Hepatitis C exposure or unexplained liver abnormalities. Many people with Hepatitis C have no symptoms until advanced liver disease develops, making screening essential.

Antibody testing is also widely used in routine health checks, occupational screening, and before certain medical procedures.

Testing may be appropriate if you:

• Have ever been exposed to blood or blood products
• Have had tattoos or piercings in non-regulated settings
• Have a history of injectable drug use
• Have abnormal liver function tests
• Were born in or lived in a higher-risk region
• Had a previous positive or unclear Hepatitis C result
• Want reassurance as part of a sexual health screen
• Are undergoing pre-treatment or pre-employment checks

Key benefits of the Hepatitis C Virus Antibodies test

• First-line screening for Hepatitis C infection
  Identifies exposure quickly and reliably.
• Detects infection even without symptoms
  Useful for silent or long-standing infection.
• Guides need for further viral load testing
  Determines next diagnostic steps.
• Supports early diagnosis and intervention
  Reduces risk of long-term liver complications.
• Simple and widely recognised test
  Used as standard screening worldwide.
• No preparation or fasting required
  Convenient and easy to complete.
• Helps explain unexplained liver abnormalities
  Often included in liver investigation panels.
• Provides reassurance when negative
  Confirms no evidence of exposure.

How the test is carried out

We offer two convenient UK-wide testing options:

Clinic-based blood testing

• Choose your nearest UK clinic
• A healthcare professional collects a blood sample
• The sample is analysed in a certified laboratory
• Results are issued once testing is complete

Home or hotel blood collection (+£60)

• A qualified phlebotomist visits your home, workplace, or hotel
• Blood is collected at a time convenient for you
• No clinic visit required
• Available nationwide across the UK

Both options use the same laboratory methods and clinical standards.

Understanding your Hepatitis C Virus Antibodies results

Antibodies not detected (Negative result)

No Hepatitis C Virus antibodies were detected. This indicates no evidence of past exposure.

Typical UK laboratory reporting:

• Negative / Non-reactive

If recent exposure is suspected, repeat testing may be advised after the window period.

Borderline result

A borderline result means antibody levels are not clearly positive or negative. This may occur during early antibody development or due to technical variation.

Typical UK laboratory reporting:

• Equivocal / Indeterminate

Repeat testing or confirmatory testing is usually recommended.

Antibodies detected (Positive result)

The presence of Hepatitis C Virus antibodies indicates previous exposure to the virus. This does not confirm active infection.

Typical UK laboratory reporting:

• Positive / Reactive

A Hepatitis C Virus Quantification (Viral Load) test is required to determine whether infection is currently active.