A positive hepatitis C screening result: what needs confirmation?

If a hepatitis C screening result is positive, contact your doctor to arrange verification of the result. Infection may go unnoticed or cause few signs. Feeling well therefore does not replace follow-up of a positive result or the requested confirmation tests.

Testing for anti-HCV antibodies in blood shows contact with the hepatitis C virus. A positive result does not, on its own, tell whether the virus has been cleared or is still present. The pathway described by French Health Insurance includes a repeat antibody test and, if it is positive, testing for HCV RNA, coordinated medically.

A negative result also needs interpretation in context. Recent infection can precede the appearance of antibodies; immunosuppression is another limitation identified by French Health Insurance. Tell your doctor about these circumstances so they can specify the appropriate test and timing, without setting a waiting period yourself.

If the result comes from a rapid diagnostic orientation test, known as a TROD in France, tell the professional. This test also looks for antibodies against HCV. When it is positive, French Health Insurance requires confirmation with a laboratory blood screening test: the rapid result does not complete the process.

Ask for an explanation of what follows confirmation. The presence of antibodies and viral RNA does not, on its own, date the infection or classify it as acute or chronic. The doctor interprets the pathway and, if chronic hepatitis C is found, arranges a more complete assessment with a specialist.

To organise the process, contact your doctor and the laboratory that will perform the prescribed tests, or ask a screening centre known as a CeGIDD. French Health Insurance describes these settings for hepatitis C. Explain which result needs verification and ask how to receive its confirmation and have the professional explain it.