Microscopic view of Hepatitis C virus infecting a liver.

Hepatitis C Detection: Are You Getting the Most Accurate Results?

Beau Callahan in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A new study reveals how to improve the accuracy of hepatitis C antibody testing, ensuring quicker and more reliable diagnoses."

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major global health concern, affecting millions worldwide. Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and prevention of liver damage, including cirrhosis and liver cancer. The standard method for detecting HCV infection involves screening for antibodies to the virus (anti-HCV).

Anti-HCV assays are the first step in identifying potential infections. However, these tests can sometimes produce false-positive results, leading to unnecessary anxiety and further testing. Therefore, it's essential to optimize testing strategies to ensure accuracy and efficiency.

This article explores a recent study that evaluated the performance of the anti-HCV VIDAS® test and proposes a refined testing algorithm to improve the reliability of HCV screening. Understanding these advancements can help individuals and healthcare providers make informed decisions about HCV testing.

Improving HCV Detection: A Step-by-Step Approach

Microscopic view of Hepatitis C virus infecting a liver.

The study, conducted at San Giuseppe Hospital in Italy, compared the performance of two common anti-HCV assays: ARCHITECT® and VIDAS®. Researchers analyzed samples with low-positive results from the ARCHITECT® test using VIDAS® and a confirmatory immunoblot assay (INNO-LIA™) to determine the presence of anti-HCV antibodies.

The results revealed that VIDAS® demonstrated superior specificity compared to ARCHITECT®, meaning it was less likely to produce false-positive results. Based on these findings, the researchers proposed a new testing algorithm:

Initial Screening: Perform the first anti-HCV test using ARCHITECT®.
Second-Level Screening: If the ARCHITECT® test is positive (with a signal-to-cutoff ratio between 1 and 8), conduct a second test using VIDAS®.
Confirmatory Testing: Only samples that test positive on both ARCHITECT® and VIDAS® should undergo confirmatory anti-HCV immunoblot testing.

This two-step approach helps to minimize false positives and reduce the number of samples requiring the more complex and costly immunoblot assay. By incorporating VIDAS® as a secondary screening tool, laboratories can improve the accuracy of HCV detection and streamline the testing process.

Key Takeaways: What This Means for You

The study highlights the importance of accurate and efficient HCV testing strategies. By implementing a two-step screening process that includes both ARCHITECT® and VIDAS®, healthcare providers can reduce the risk of false-positive results and ensure that individuals receive the appropriate diagnosis and care.

If you are undergoing HCV screening, it's important to discuss the testing process with your healthcare provider and understand the potential for false-positive results. Knowing that confirmatory testing is available can provide reassurance and help avoid unnecessary anxiety.

Ultimately, improved HCV detection methods contribute to better management of the virus, reducing the burden of liver disease and improving the health outcomes for millions of people worldwide. Stay informed and proactive about your health, and don't hesitate to ask questions about your HCV testing.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.4081/mm.2016.4808, Alternate LINK

Title: Performance Study Of The Automated Immunoassay Test Anti-Hepatitis C Virus Vidas® For The Qualitative Detection Of Antibodies Anti-Hepatitis C Virus

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: Microbiologia Medica

Publisher: PAGEPress Publications

Authors: Sara Salvetti, Federica Lavinia, Iolanda Montenora

Published: 2016-03-31

Everything You Need To Know

What is Hepatitis C and why is early detection important?

The Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a significant global health issue, with millions affected worldwide. Early and precise detection is vital for effective treatment and the prevention of severe liver damage like cirrhosis and liver cancer. The standard approach to identify HCV infections involves screening for antibodies to the virus using anti-HCV assays.

What role do ARCHITECT® and VIDAS® play in detecting Hepatitis C?

Anti-HCV assays, like ARCHITECT® and VIDAS®, are used to initially screen for the presence of Hepatitis C antibodies. However, ARCHITECT® can sometimes yield false-positive results. The study found that VIDAS® exhibited superior specificity compared to ARCHITECT®, implying it is less likely to generate false positives. Implementing VIDAS® as a secondary screening tool can improve the accuracy of HCV detection.

What is the proposed two-step testing approach for Hepatitis C?

The suggested two-step approach begins with an initial anti-HCV test using ARCHITECT®. If ARCHITECT® returns a positive result with a signal-to-cutoff ratio between 1 and 8, a second test using VIDAS® is conducted. Only samples positive on both ARCHITECT® and VIDAS® should then undergo confirmatory anti-HCV immunoblot testing, such as INNO-LIA™.

Why is it important to avoid false-positive results in Hepatitis C testing?

False-positive results can lead to unnecessary anxiety and further, often more complex, testing. The two-step approach, incorporating VIDAS®, helps minimize false positives. This reduces the number of individuals subjected to confirmatory testing and the associated emotional and financial burdens. Implementing this strategy ensures more accurate diagnoses and streamlines the testing process.

How does this research impact healthcare providers and patients?

The two-step screening process, incorporating both ARCHITECT® and VIDAS®, allows healthcare providers to reduce the risk of false positives. This ensures patients receive appropriate care and treatment. Understanding this and similar advancements can help individuals and healthcare providers make informed decisions about Hepatitis C testing and overall health management.