Hepatitis C antibodies
Microbiology
Notes
- Antibody may take up to three months following exposure to become detectable
- A positive antibody result reflects Hepatitis C infection at some time. To demonstrate ongoing infection, PCR testing is required.
- In the case of sharps/exposure incidents, same day testing of the source patient's blood is available. Please telephone the laboratory.
- Suspected infectious hepatitis is a notifiable disease. Click for notification form.
- This test is part of the following viral screen sets:
Sample requirements
Serum - paired samples not required
8.5ml of blood taken into a plain gel tube
Required information
- Relevant clinical details
- Date of onset
- Jaundice, abnormal LFTs, cirrhosis
- Risk factors (past or current IVDU, past blood transfusion)
- For sharps/exposure incidents state whether source or recipient and date of exposure
- Suspected past exposure to Hepatitis C
Storage/transport
Store at fridge temperature
Transport as soon as possible at ambient temperature
Turnaround time
3 - 5 days
Same day for sharps/exposure incidents
Confirmation of positive results may take longer (up to 10 days)