HepC pertinent labs: Which test confirms active Hepatitis C infection?

• A. HCV antibody
• B. HCV RNA
• C. ALT
• D. HBsAg

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that confirming active Hepatitis C requires proving the virus is currently in the bloodstream and replicating. An HCV RNA test detects the virus’s genetic material, meaning active infection is present. Antibody testing shows prior exposure to the virus; it can be positive even if the infection has cleared, so it doesn’t prove ongoing infection. ALT is a liver enzyme that rises with liver injury but doesn’t specify whether Hep C is actively ongoing. HBsAg is a marker for hepatitis B, not hepatitis C. So, detecting HCV RNA provides direct evidence of active infection and is used to confirm it and monitor treatment.