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Lab Test Details


Hepatitis C Antibody, IgG & IgM

Updated 2/19/2025
Search TermsAnti-HCV; HCV Ab; Anti-HCV screen
How to Order On the Virology/Immunology Test Request Form (OHA0042), in the “Hepatitis” section, check the box for “Hepatitis C Antibody Screen with Confirmation”
AvailabilityAll clients
PerformedDaily on regular business days
Time to ReportingWithin 3 working days after receipt of specimen
CPT Code86803


Specimen Collection Details

CollectionOne 7 ml red top tube or serum separator tube (SST). If SST tubes are used, follow instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Optimal VolumeBlood: 5 ml; Serum 2.5 ml
Minimum VolumeBlood: 3 ml; Serum 1.0 ml
Handling

After blood clots, store specimens at refrigerated temperatures (2-8°C) pending transport. If possible, remove the serum from the clot as soon as possible. Specimen must be tested within 7 days of collection. DO NOT FREEZE WHOLE BLOOD.

If specimen cannot be tested within 7 days, remove serum from the clot and freeze serum at -20C. Specimen must be tested within 30 days.

Transport

Package specimens with fully frozen ice packs to maintain refrigerated temperatures during transport.

If serum is frozen, package specimens to maintain refrigerated or room temperatures during transport. Specimens must be tested within 30 days.
Rejection Criteria Specimens with anticoagulant, visible contamination, cadaver specimens, heat inactivated, and grossly hemolyzed specimens. Refrigerated specimens not tested within 7 calendar days of specimen collection. Frozen specimens not tested within 30 calendar days of specimen collection.

Specimens are subject to the requirements of the OSPHL Specimen Submission Policy (pdf).
Comments

Original material submitted for testing is retained for 7 calendar days after receipt at the laboratory.

This test is approved as a screening test only. Any reactive results should be confirmed with an approved  test. Specimens with reactive results are forwarded to a reference lab for Hepatitis C qualitative NAT testing to rule in or out current, active infection.

This assay is not intended for use in screening blood, plasma, or tissue donors. Assay performance characteristics have not been established for newborns, infants, children, or populations of immunocompromised or immunosuppressed patients.

Method Details

Methodology

Chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) on the Abbott Diagnostics Alinity i platform

Performance Specifications

Detailed information about assay performance can be obtained by contacting the manufacturer of the testing platform, Abbott Diagnostics, or on the US Food and Drug Administration website.

Change Log

2/19/2025
Updated How to Order and Comments
5/5/2023
Reviewed, no changes