Hepatitis C (Anti-HCV) Test

What is the Hepatitis C (Anti-HCV) Test?

The Anti-HCV test is a blood test performed to determine whether a person is infected with the Hepatitis C virus (HCV). Hepatitis C is a virus that attacks the liver and can lead to serious health problems. The Anti-HCV test checks for the presence of antibodies produced by the body against the Hepatitis C virus. This test is the primary screening method used in the diagnosis of Hepatitis C infection. A positive Anti-HCV test indicates that the person has been exposed to the virus and may be infected.

What is Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is a virus that causes inflammation of the liver. The Hepatitis C virus is primarily transmitted through infected blood. This virus can cause serious liver damage, including cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure. Because Hepatitis C often shows no symptoms in the early stages, many people do not know they are infected. Therefore, regular screening is especially important in risk groups.

Who Should Get the Anti-HCV Test?

The Anti-HCV test should be performed on individuals at risk of exposure to the Hepatitis C virus. The following situations may require this test:

• Injection drug use: The virus can be transmitted through infected syringes.
• Contact with blood and blood products: People who received blood transfusions before 1992 or healthcare workers exposed to blood are at risk.
• Dialysis patients: Those undergoing regular dialysis treatment due to kidney failure have a higher risk of Hepatitis C.
• Sexual transmission: Individuals who have unprotected sexual intercourse are at risk of transmission.
• Medical and dental procedures: The virus can spread through non-sterile medical equipment.

Symptoms of Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C infection can progress silently for years without symptoms. However, as the virus causes liver damage, symptoms may appear. Hepatitis C symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Muscle and joint pain
• Dark-colored urine
• Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin)

These symptoms usually arise when the virus has started causing significant liver damage.

How is the Anti-HCV Test Performed?

The Anti-HCV test is a simple blood test. A blood sample is analyzed in the laboratory to check whether the body has produced antibodies against the Hepatitis C virus. The test result indicates whether the person has been exposed to the virus. A positive result means the virus has entered the body at some point. However, this result does not confirm an active infection; further tests are required to determine whether the infection is currently active.

Hepatitis C and Pre-Employment Health Report

Hepatitis C infection is an important occupational health and safety concern. Especially in sectors such as food, healthcare, and jobs requiring close contact with the public, Hepatitis C risk can be critical. The Anti-HCV test conducted as part of the pre-employment health report is among the tests requested to protect employees’ health. This test helps ensure that employees are healthy and reduces the risk of disease spread in the workplace.

Anti-HCV Test Results

The Anti-HCV test results can be either positive or negative:

• Negative result: Indicates that the person has not been exposed to or infected with the Hepatitis C virus.
• Positive result: Indicates that the person has been exposed to the Hepatitis C virus and developed antibodies. However, a positive result does not indicate whether the virus is still active. Additional tests must be performed to detect if the infection is active.

If the test is positive, doctors will perform further tests such as the HCV RNA test or PCR test to determine the presence and activity of the infection.

Is Hepatitis C Treatable?

Hepatitis C has become a treatable disease with newly developed medications in recent years. In cases detected early, antiviral treatments can completely clear the virus from the body. However, untreated Hepatitis C can lead to severe liver damage. Therefore, regular Anti-HCV testing and early diagnosis in risk groups are extremely important.

İZKA OSGB and Anti-HCV Test

As İZKA OSGB, we provide reliable and fast Anti-HCV and other critical infection tests to protect employee health. These tests are a vital step in ensuring a healthy workplace environment. By identifying whether your employees who are undergoing pre-employment health reports are at risk for Hepatitis C and other infectious diseases, we help maintain the highest level of safety in your workplace.