Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) IgM Antibody Test Cost & Procedure

A blood test called an anti-HCV IgM test is used to find antibodies to the virus. The virus HCV has been linked to liver cancer. Those who may have had hepatitis C infection but have not yet manifested symptoms can be found with the anti-HCV IgM test.

The anti-HCV IgM antibody test determines whether a person has previously been exposed to the hepatitis C virus. The anti-HCV IgM serum test searches for antibodies that ordinarily manifest 8 to 11 weeks after a person contracts the virus.

Describe the Hepatitis C virus (HCV)

• The hepatitis C virus (HCV), an enclosed RNA virus with a positive-sense single-stranded structure, is the cause of hepatitis C.
• HCV promotes chronic infections by attacking liver cells, causing hepatic damage, and evading innate and adaptive immunity. Although HCV genotypes differ in nucleotide sequences, all known HCV genotypes are currently hepatotropic and pathogenic.
• HCV has several genotypes with different nucleotide sequences.
• The infectivity and pathogenicity of different genotypes vary, which affects the rate of cirrhosis progression and the risk of HCC.
• Moreover, the heterogeneity of HCV would result in various responses to antiviral medication.

Purpose:

A test for anti-HCV IgM is used to ascertain whether a person has HCV. The test is used to identify those who may be at risk of contracting the virus as part of an HCV screening procedure. Individuals with HCV infection may not have any signs or symptoms. Thus, they may not even be aware that they are infected.

When is it recommended?

Nonetheless, the following general rules for when you might want to think about getting an Anti-HCV IgM test:

• If your liver function tests (LFTs) have been positive for at least two weeks and you have had an acute hepatitis C infection (a hepatitis C virus infection lasting longer than six months).
• If you have hepatitis C symptoms such as fever, tiredness, jaundice, or diarrhoea.
• If your doctor thinks you could have acquired hepatitis C from a person who has the infection.

What is the Anti-HCV IgM Test's normal range?

Anti-HCV IgM test normal range lies typically between 0 and 1000 IU/ml.