H.C.V. ELISA

Function

The HCV ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) is a screening test used to detect antibodies (anti-HCV) produced by the body in response to infection with the Hepatitis C Virus. This test identifies whether an individual has ever been exposed to the virus, though it does not distinguish between an active, chronic infection and a resolved one.

Why it is Ordered

This test is ordered for:

• Screening high-risk populations (IV drug users, recipients of blood transfusions before 1992).
• Evaluating patients with elevated liver enzymes (ALT/AST).
• Routine prenatal screening in some regions.
• Post-exposure follow-up for healthcare workers after a needle-stick injury.

Associated Conditions

A reactive ELISA result is associated with Hepatitis C infection. If positive, it necessitates follow-up testing with an HCV RNA PCR test to determine if the virus is currently replicating in the blood. Chronic HCV can lead to progressive liver damage, including cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer). Because HCV is often 'silent' for decades, the ELISA is a critical tool for early detection and prevention of end-stage liver disease. Modern antiviral therapies (DAAs) can cure HCV in over 95% of cases, making early screening via ELISA highly effective for public health.