What should you know about antibody to hepatitis C virus?

A non-reactive or negative result means antibodies were not found. If exposure was recent, your clinician may consider the timing of the test because the body can take time to produce detectable antibodies.

A reactive or positive result means antibodies to hepatitis C virus were found. This can occur after a current infection or an infection that the body cleared; it does not show whether virus is still present. A hepatitis C RNA test is used to check for current infection.

Many people have no early symptoms. When symptoms occur, they may include tiredness, nausea, reduced appetite, discomfort in the upper abdomen, dark urine, pale stools, or yellowing of the skin or eyes. A symptom such as fatigue has several possible causes and does not identify hepatitis C on its own.

If your result is reactive, arrange a GP consultation or follow-up with the clinician who ordered the test. Ask whether an RNA test is needed and how you will receive the result. Your clinician may also review medicines, alcohol use, and other blood tests that help assess liver health.

Until the result is clarified, do not share needles, razors, toothbrushes, or other items that may carry blood. Hepatitis C is spread mainly through infected blood; ordinary contact such as hugging, sharing food, or sitting beside someone does not spread it. Do not stop prescribed medicines without medical advice.

Contact a clinician promptly if you develop yellow skin or eyes, very dark urine, marked swelling of the abdomen, unusual sleepiness or confusion, or persistent vomiting. Seek urgent help for vomiting blood, black stools, severe abdominal pain, or difficulty staying awake. These signs can have causes other than hepatitis C, but they need timely assessment.

You could ask: Was my antibody result reactive or non-reactive? Do I need an RNA test? Could the timing of a possible exposure affect the result? Which liver tests or medicines should be reviewed? How can I reduce the chance of blood exposure to other people while testing is completed?