Testing for Hepatitis C: How It Could Save Your Liver

Who needs testing for hepatitis C?

Everyone ages 18 to 79 should seek testing for hepatitis C at least once in their lifetime. Pregnant women should also receive a hepatitis C test as part of their routine screening. Mothers may transmit hepatitis C to their infant in utero.

People who have a higher risk of hepatitis C infection should get tested more often. This includes people who:

• Have abnormal liver test results

• Have chronic liver disease

• Use injection drugs and/or share needles

• Have HIV

• Received a blood or organ donation before 1992

• Have ever received hemodialysis

• Have unprotected anal sex

You can request a hepatitis C test for any reason at any time. You do not need to disclose your risk factor to receive a requested hepatitis C test.

What is the process for hepatitis C testing?

Generally, the testing process for hepatitis C starts with an antibody blood test. This tests for evidence of antibodies to the hepatitis C virus. If you have a negative antibody test, no further testing is needed. 

If you have a positive antibody test, you will then take an RNA PCR test. This helps detect if you have hepatitis C virus in your bloodstream currently. 

What do hepatitis C test results mean?

There are three possible outcomes of hepatitis C testing:

1. Negative antibody test: This means you don’t have hepatitis C, and have never had it in the past. However, a negative antibody test could also mean you have received the test too soon.

2. Positive antibody test and negative RNA PCR test: You have had hepatitis C in the past, but you do not currently have it now. This means you received treatment or cured the infection on your own.

3. Positive antibody test and positive RNA PCR test: You currently have hepatitis C in your bloodstream.

Some may also get an "indeterminate" result.

Why is early detection of hepatitis C so important?

The condition may advance over the years, causing scarring, liver failure, and even liver cancer. Generally, the earlier you catch hepatitis C, the more likely that treatment will be successful. Today, there are effective antiviral treatments that can help many people completely cure their hepatitis C infection.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Lauren Smith, MA

Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.

Reviewed by:

Alexandra Schwarz, MD

Alexandra Schwarz, MD, is a board-eligible sleep medicine physician and a board-certified family medicine physician. She is a member of both the AASM and the ABFM.

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