Hepatitis C virus Antibodies

Hepatitis C virus Is an RNA virus that causes hepatitis C. The virus is transmitted through contact with infected blood or infected objects - through blood transfusions, conventional syringes, tattoo needles, improperly sterilized surgical and dental instruments, pedicure and manicure tools. Sexual transmission is also suggested. It is possible to pass the virus from mother to child during childbirth. The virus is not transmitted through household contact with a hepatitis C patient.

Hepatitis C manifests as an acute infection that translates into chronic hepatitis C in more than 80% of cases. Chronic hepatitis C progressively damages the liver and causes cirrhosis of the liver with all its complications and is one of the leading causes of hepatocellular carcinoma.

From chronic carriers, with or without serum ALT pathological values:

• 15% - cured;
• 70% develop chronic hepatitis (average interval 10 years);
• 10-20% develop cirrhosis (average interval 20 years);
• 50% die from HCV infection.

Anti-HCV antibodies (Antibodies against hepatitis C virus) A test is a serological test that shows the presence or absence of antibodies against the hepatitis C virus (HCV) in a patient's serum.

Antibodies are detected on average 7-8 weeks after the onset of infection. In the event of spontaneous elimination of the infection, anti-HCV antibodies may persist throughout life or gradually diminish until they finally disappear within a few years.

Antibodies are detected indefinitely in patients with chronic HCV infection.

When to get tested for antibodies to hepatitis C?

• Elevated levels of liver enzymes (AST, ALT);
• Diagnosis of acute or chronic hepatitis (with testing for hepatitis A, B and E);
• Intravenous drug users (with testing for hepatitis B and HIV);
• HIV-positive individuals - (with hepatitis B testing) - important for prescribing appropriate treatment;
• Donor blood screening;
• To determine the etiology of liver cirrhosis;
• History of hepatitis C infection;
• Pregnancy.

How to prepare for the test?

No special preparation is required for the test.

The test should be performed on an empty stomach.

Research material

Venous blood

Possible interpretation of the results

Positive result:

• Hepatitis C (acute or chronic);
• History of HCV infection;
• Blood transfusion result (need to be controlled over time);
• False positive result - It is necessary to confirm the detection of antibodies in another biological sample by another method.

Negative result:

• No HCV infection;
• The first 4-6 weeks of the hepatitis C incubation period;
• "Seronegative" hepatitis C.

Resources

https://www.synevo.bg/hepatit-c/
https://www.synevo.ro/shop/anti-hcv/
https://spravochnik.synevo.ua/ru/gepatit/virus-gepatita-c.html