ANTI HEPATITIS C VIRUS (HCV)-TOTAL BY ELISA Detail

The Anti-HCV Total by ELISA test is an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) used to detect total antibodies (IgG and IgM) against the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) in the blood. This test is a screening tool to identify individuals who have been exposed to HCV, regardless of whether the infection is active or resolved.

A positive result indicates:

• Past exposure to the virus

• Ongoing (chronic or acute) HCV infection

• The need for further testing, such as HCV RNA (PCR), to confirm active infection

This test is commonly used:

• For routine screening in high-risk groups (e.g., IV drug users, blood transfusion recipients)

• In pre-surgical evaluations and blood donor screening

• During prenatal check-ups to assess the risk of transmission to the baby

• In individuals with abnormal liver function tests (LFTs)

Since antibodies can remain detectable even after the virus is cleared, a positive Anti-HCV test alone cannot differentiate between current and past infection. Confirmatory testing with HCV RNA (quantitative PCR) is necessary.