What is Anti HCV?
Anti-Hepatitis C virus is the name given to a test performed to find out whether you have been infected with the hepatitis C virus or not, and to look for antibodies in your blood that indicate immunity to the hepatitis C virus. This procedure, which is routinely performed to determine whether the body has created HCV antibodies against hepatitis C, is detected in a laboratory environment by taking blood. Being anti HCV negative means that the person is not immune to the hepatitis C virus, while anti HCV positive means that the body is protected against the hepatitis C virus and produces antibodies. Anti-HCV positive status indicates that the person has previously contracted the disease. Anti HCV test, which appears as negative and positive results, determines whether the body produces antibodies against the hepatitis C virus.
What Does Anti HCV Negative Mean?
If the Anti HCV test determined in the blood gives a negative result; It is an indication that the person does not carry the hepatitis C virus, is not infected, or that his body does not produce antibodies against the hepatitis C virus. The exception to this situation is if the person has had blood contact with someone who has recently been infected with the virus. In such cases, a new test may be requested.
In suspected cases, a test may be requested by the doctor after the first 3 months. In more severe cases, the test request may be repeated after 6 months. It is appropriate to repeat the test at certain intervals after 3 months and 6 months.
What Causes Anti HCV Negative?
A non-reactive or negative anti-HCV result means that the person is not infected with the hepatitis C virus, or even if infected, the body does not produce HCV antibodies against this virus. Some anti hcv tests are also known as pseudotests. If the retests are negative, this indicates that the hepatitis C virus has not been detected yet.
What Does Anti HCV Positive Mean?
If the Anti HCV test is reactive, that is, it gives a positive result, the Anti HCV value as a result of the test means that you are infected with the hepatitis C virus and that you produce antibodies against this HCV virus. A positive anti-HCV test, which reveals whether the hepatitis C virus, which is transmitted through sexual intercourse, blood contact and needle stick, does not mean that the person actively carries the virus. HCV RNA testing may be requested to check for the presence of active hepatitis C virus. In addition to these, imaging tests with PCR test and liver function tests can also be performed.
After it is determined that the hepatitis C virus is actively present in the body, it is aimed to eliminate the presence of the disease with drug treatment. It should not be forgotten that the hepatitis C virus can cause serious liver disorders if left untreated.
Having a positive hepatitis C virus in the body may cause some symptoms. These symptoms are as follows:
Loss of appetite
Burnout
Concentration disorder
Dark urine
Fire
Why Does Anti HCV Positive Happen?
If the anti-HCV value in the blood is above the result, the result is positive. An anti-HCV positive result is also considered to be due to the fact that the hepatitis C virus has been previously or actively carried and the body produces antibodies. Anti-HCV positive is caused by contact through blood. Sexual intercourse, use of personal care products and situations that may cause contact with blood facilitate the transmission of the hepatitis C virus.