Hepatitis C testing: Who needs HCV screening?

Why Hepatitis C testing matters

Many patients do not receive confirmatory RNA testing following a positive antibody result², and fragmentation in the continuum of care can further delay diagnosis, linkage to treatment, and cure. Comprehensive and reflex testing strategies are critical to closing these gaps and improving patient outcomes.

~2.4M Americans are living with chronic Hepatitis C (HCV) infection³

~50% remain undiagnosed³, often without symptoms until advanced liver disease develops.

Recommended populations for Hepatitis C virus screening include^3A

All adults aged 18 years and older for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C at least once in their lifetime
All pregnant women during each pregnancy for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C
People who inject drugs or have ongoing risk factors for bloodborne exposure
Men who have sex with men
Individuals with HIV infection
People born in regions with higher Hepatitis B prevalence
Patients receiving hemodialysis
Household or sexual contacts of persons with Hepatitis B

Our latest paper on Hepatitis C testing

Peer-Reviewed Publication — 8 April Apr 2026

144050

Hepatitis C virus antibody with reflex

This initial screening test for HCV infection automatically proceeds to HCV RNA quantitative PCR testing if the HCV antibody result is positive, allowing for confirmation of active infection or evidence of a prior resolved infection. The reflex workflow streamlines diagnosis by removing the need for additional provider orders and enables timely identification of patients who require further clinical evaluation and treatment.

Test Details

144127

Hepatitis C virus antibody cascade to quantitative PCR and genotyping

This comprehensive diagnostic and management cascade supports both detection and treatment planning for HCV. When a positive HCV antibody test is detected, the process reflexes to quantitative HCV RNA PCR to confirm active infection. If the viral load exceeds 2,500 IU/mL, the assay automatically advances to HCV genotyping, providing critical information to guide antiviral therapy selection and clinical management.

Test Details

550123

Hepatitis C virus FibroSure®

Noninvasive blood test used to evaluate liver disease severity in patients with HCV infection. HCV FibroSure® provides a fibrosis score with corresponding stage along with a necroinflammatory activity score and grade, helping clinicians assess the extent of liver damage and disease activity. This test can support treatment decision making and ongoing monitoring without the need for invasive liver biopsy.

Test Details

144050
144127
550123

Additional Hepatitis C testing options

Hepatitis C virus quantitative, realtime PCR (nongraphical) [550080] Hepatitis C virus quantitative, realtime PCR (graphical) [550070] Hepatitis C virus genotyping, sequence-based determination [144052] Hepatitis C virus genotyping with 1a subtype reflex to Hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS5A drug resistance assay [550683] Hepatitis C virus genotyping with 1a subtype reflex to Hepatitis C virus (HCV) GenoSure® NS3/4A [550688] Hepatitis C virus quantitative, RNA PCR (graphical) with reflex to Hepatitis C virus (HCV) GenoSure® NS3/4A [550066] Hepatitis C virus quantitative, RNA PCR (nongraphical) with reflex to Hepatitis C virus (HCV) GenoSure® NS3/4A [550072] Hepatitis C virus quantitative, reflex HCV genotyping with 1a reflex to HCV NS5A drug resistance assay [550887]

Why partner with Labcorp

Clinical support for Hepatitis care

Labcorp offers guideline-aligned hepatitis testing panels designed to support appropriate screening, diagnosis, and disease monitoring. Automated reflex testing pathways help streamline the diagnostic process by advancing patients from screening to confirmatory testing without requiring additional provider orders. With broad national access and expert interpretive support, clinicians receive clear and actionable insights to guide patient management.

Streamlined testing workflows

Labcorp simplifies hepatitis testing workflows through efficient ordering processes and integrated electronic health record connectivity. These capabilities reduce administrative burden for clinical staff while enabling timely result reporting. A nationwide network of patient service centers ensures convenient specimen collection and consistent access to testing.

Supporting population health

Comprehensive hepatitis testing solutions help health systems expand screening programs and support population health initiatives. Earlier detection and prompt linkage to care facilitate more timely intervention, which may help reduce progression to advanced liver disease and long-term

Questions about our Hepatitis C portfolio?

Contact a Representative

References

CDC – HCV Mortality & Burden - https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hcv/index.htm
1a. CDC – Reflex RNA Testing Guidance - https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hcv/guidelinesc.htm
ehia BR et al. – Gaps in HCV Care Continuum - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26675758/
CDC – Hepatitis C FAQ - https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hcv/hcvfaq.htm
3a. USPSTF – Hepatitis C Screening Recommendation - https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/hepatitis-c-screening

Managing Your Health

Diseases & Therapeutic Areas

Treatment Modalities & Methods

Scientific Lab Disciplines

Labs

Industries

Managing Your Health

Diseases & Therapeutic Areas

Treatment Modalities & Methods

Scientific Lab Disciplines

Labs

Industries

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)

Why Hepatitis C testing matters

Recommended populations for Hepatitis C virus screening include^3A

Our latest paper on Hepatitis C testing

Trends in Reflexive Hepatitis C Virus Testing in a National US Laboratory: A Retrospective Study From 2018 to 2024