Hepatitis C Antigen

This test is used to find out the Hepatitis C Antigens in the blood.

What is Hepatitis and Hepatitis C Antigens:

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver and can lead to scarring, cirrhosis or liver cancer. Hepatitis can be caused due to auto-immune diseases, alcohol or toxic substances. Hepatitis C is transmitted through blood to blood contact with someone infected with HCV. Antibodies are produced when any foreign substance or virus or bacteria enters into the body. These foreign substances are known as antigens.

Hepatitis C Antigen is a protein from the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). It is circulated in the infected blood when the virus multiplies. Usually, Hepatitis C Antigens can be found in the blood after 2 weeks of infection. Therefore the presence of hepatitis C antigens in the blood means that HCV is multiplying in your liver. HCV Antigens in the blood indicates that you are infected with Hepatitis C infection and can spread the virus.

Why This test Is Performed:

This test is performed to check the presence of Hepatitis C Antigens in the blood. The doctor may ask you to undergo this test if you are suffering from symptoms and conditions such as liver cancer, cirrhosis, jaundice, fever, dark urine, abdominal pain, joint pain etc. If an individual is on the treatment for Hepatitis C virus HCV then the doctor may ask to perform this test to evaluate and to check the effectiveness of the treatment and Hepatitis C Antigens levels in the blood. Mostly, this test is done along with other hepatitis tests to confirm the diagnosis.

How Often This Test Should Be Performed:

If you have been diagnosed with HCV, your doctor may advise you to get this test done once in a year based on your clinical condition. If you are a healthy individual above the age of 35, your doctor may advise you to undergo this test either on a yearly basis or every other year.

Precautions:

The results may alter in individuals receiving monoclonal antibodies or heparin therapy. Inform your healthcare provider regarding the use of all medications prior to the test.

The test results may be different depending on gender, age, health conditions, and other factors.

If the test results are negative, it indicates that no Hepatitis C Antigens are found in the blood. Some adults may have HCV in their blood in the absence of Hepatitis C Antigens. This type of infection is known as HCV antigen negative Hepatitis C infection. Your doctor may ask to perform a few more additional tests to confirm whether the infection is present or not.

If the test results are positive it indicates the presence of Hepatitis C Antigens in the blood. The presence of Hepatitis C Antigens in the blood may indicate that you are at highly infectious state.