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Choose collection locationSTI & STD · Individual laboratory test
Hepatitis C Antibody (Anti-HCV)
This screening test looks for antibodies to hepatitis C. A reactive screen needs RNA testing to distinguish current infection from a past infection or a false-reactive antibody result.
Price for this test on its ownAED 175Test price AED 75
Clinical authorDr Nirupama SabhapathySpecialist Clinical Pathology
- Sample
- Serum
- Laboratory turnaround
- 24 hours
- Collection
- Dubai
- Laboratory
- Intel Lab
Understanding the test
What does Hepatitis C Antibody (Anti-HCV) measure?
Also called Hepatitis C Antibody
A clinician may request HCV antibody screening after an exposure, as part of an appropriate screening pathway or during investigation of abnormal liver findings.
When it may be requested
Screening for previous exposure
The antibody test can suggest previous exposure. A reactive screen can also be falsely positive.
Checking whether infection persists
HCV RNA is used to establish whether the virus is currently detectable.
Before your sample
Prepare for collection
SpecimenSerum
Your checklist
This blood test needs no fast. Record the date of a possible exposure and any previous hepatitis C diagnosis or treatment.
A clinician takes a small sample of blood from a vein. The laboratory uses serum, the liquid separated from the blood after it clots.
Smart Report
Understanding your result
24 hoursLaboratory turnaround
Result guideHepatitis C Antibody (Anti-HCV)
Reading your result
A reactive screen typically leads to HCV RNA testing. In a recent exposure, antibodies may not yet be detectable even when infection is present.
What can affect it
- Antibodies can remain after clearance, and a very recent infection can still be antibody-negative.
From sample to follow-up
Your testing journey
Laboratory testHepatitis C Antibody (Anti-HCV)
- Specimen
- Serum
- Turnaround
- 24 hours
Open your laboratory report
Look for Hepatitis C Antibody (Anti-HCV) in your report. Use the sample type and collection time when comparing it with an earlier report.
Explore Smart Report
Discuss the next step
If antibodies are reactive, discuss the next step for checking current HCV RNA rather than assuming the infection is active.
Health packages
Packages that include this test
Compare the other tests in each package before choosing.
Clinical expertise
Your laboratory team
Patient questions
Before you book
Does a reactive antibody result mean the virus is still present?
Not necessarily. Antibodies can persist after clearance or treatment. RNA testing addresses whether virus is currently detectable.
Can a reactive hepatitis C antibody be a false positive?
Yes. A reactive antibody can reflect current infection, a past infection that cleared, or biological false reactivity. HCV RNA testing determines whether there is evidence of current infection.
What if the exposure was recent?
Antibodies usually take 8 to 11 weeks to become detectable, whereas hepatitis C RNA can often be found about 1 to 2 weeks after exposure. If you may have been exposed within the past six months, RNA testing is recommended regardless of your antibody result. Tell your clinician the date of the exposure.
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Your next step
Hepatitis C Antibody (Anti-HCV) test at home.
Sources & further reading
Written by Dr Nirupama Sabhapathy, Specialist Clinical Pathology. Medically reviewed by Dr Joyce Jose, Specialist Clinical Pathology, on .
Catalogue information and AED price checked on 2 November 2026. Clinical suitability, preparation, collection arrangements and turnaround are confirmed for your selected test.