What does hepatitis C antibody positive mean?

Antibodies can remain after an earlier infection has cleared, as well as during an infection that is still present. The antibody test therefore cannot distinguish between these situations. A separate viral RNA test is usually used to look for hepatitis C virus in the blood. Your clinician will interpret the result alongside your history, symptoms and other blood tests. Some people have no symptoms, while others notice tiredness, nausea, discomfort beneath the ribs or yellowing of the skin or eyes. Fatigue can have many causes and does not establish hepatitis C on its own.

Arrange a follow-up appointment to discuss whether an RNA test is needed and when it should be done. Take a list of medicines, supplements and previous test results, because the liver processes many treatments. Until the result is clarified, do not share razors, toothbrushes or needles, and cover cuts carefully. Hepatitis C is spread through infected blood, not through ordinary contact such as hugging, sharing food or sitting beside someone. A clinician can explain testing and treatment options through a GP Consultation. A Liver Function Test may help assess how your liver is working, although it cannot replace the specific virus test.

Contact a clinician promptly if you develop yellow skin or eyes, very dark urine, pale stools, increasing abdominal swelling, vomiting blood, black stools, confusion or severe drowsiness. Seek urgent help for collapse, severe bleeding or difficulty staying awake. These warning signs need assessment regardless of whether the antibody result later proves to reflect an active infection.

Ask whether your result needs confirmation with an RNA test, whether liver blood tests or imaging are appropriate, and how to protect household contacts while you wait. You can also ask what medicines or supplements to avoid and whether fatigue needs a separate assessment.