Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Antibody (Anti-HCV)

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes a severe form of hepatitis that targets the liver cells leading to inflammation, scarring, liver damage, cirrhosis & liver cancer if not treated. HCV spreads through contaminated blood during blood transfusion, needle stick injuries, sharing of needles by drug users, dirty needles used for tattoos & through semen. Symptoms include bruising easily, itchy skin, fluid in abdomen, weight loss, swelling in the legs & confusion. This test is used to detect antibodies to HCV, diagnose & monitor treatment of HCV.