If a test is positive for HCV antibodies, a nucleic acid test for HCV ribonucleic acid (RNA) is needed to confirm chronic infection.
If a test is positive for HCV antibodies, a nucleic acid test for HCV ribonucleic acid (RNA) is needed to confirm chronic infection. This because about 15–45% of people infected with HCV spontaneously clear the infection by a strong immune response without the need for treatment and have HCV antibodies even though the virus is no longer in their bodies. Although no longer infected, they will still test positive for HCV antibodies.
