The anti-HCV IgM is an antibody test that is performed to detect whether a person has been infected with the hepatitis C virus earlier.
When is the Anti-HCV IgM Test Performed
One is generally s
The anti-HCV IgM is an antibody test that is performed to detect whether a person has been infected with the hepatitis C virus earlier.
When is the Anti-HCV IgM Test Performed
One is generally suggested to book an anti-HCV IgM test to screen for chronic or resolved HCV. The antibodies that the test checks for generally appear in the infection’s late convalescent stage, which is generally after more than 6 months after the onset of the infection. A regular IgM antibody response to the virus is found in almost all patients with acute HCV, but rarely precedes the production of IgG antibodies. Apart from a regular health check, an anti-HCV test can also be prescribed in case of suspected exposure to the virus as screening.
Instead of a normal range, the anti-HCV IgM test generally provides a positive or negative result. Whereas a non-reactive test result generally means that the person is not at present infected with HCV, a reactive or positive anti-HCV test result means that the person has been infected with the virus at least once. After getting infected with the hepatitis C virus, whether they have cleared it, have been cured, or still have the virus, they will always have IgM antibodies in their blood.
Some of the risk factors that may increase one’s chance of contracting the virus include:
- Using shared needles.
- Having an HIV infection.
- Having undergone haemodialysis for filtering the blood.
- An organ transplant or blood transfusion.
- Having been treated for a bleeding disorder earlier.
- Being born to a mother with HIV.
- Engaging in unprotected sex.
Time Required for Anti-HCV IgM Test Reports + Next Steps
Instead of a simple “anti-HCV IgM test near me”, it is best to put one’s faith in a NABL-accredited diagnostics centre, like Max Lab, where apart from a competitive cost for an anti-HCV test, individuals also get benefits like at-home sample collection, report generation within 24 hours of sample collection, online report availability, and the facility to book an anti-HCV IgM test online.
As a reactive result for the anti-HCV doesn’t necessarily indicate a current hepatitis C infection, it is necessary to consult a doctor with the test results, so the relevant follow-up tests may be prescribed.