Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Infection Testing for Diagnosis

This information sheet is a chart on hepatitis C virus diagnostic testing. It explains the procedures followed when an individual is tested for hepatitis C virus infection. If the test is nonreactive, then no antibody was detected and no further action is necessary. If the test is reactive, it is followed by a serological tests: testing for HCV ribonucleic acid (RNA) or follow-up testing for HCV antibody. If no RNA is detected, then the individual in not infected, if he/she tests positive for HCV RNA, then he/she has HCV infection and is referred for care.