Hepatitis C is a blood-borne viral infection that affects the liver, and it is a widely recognised health concern in Pakistan. Because several different hepatitis C tests exist, and because they answer different questions, comparing them by price alone — without checking which test is being priced — can be misleading. This guide compares the hepatitis C tests listed by Pakistan’s major laboratories, keeping each test type separate.
All prices below are the listed prices as of November 2026, shown in Pakistani rupees (PKR). Prices may vary by branch or city, so confirm the final price with the laboratory before you book. Where a laboratory has no entry for a test type on its list page, that laboratory is not included in that table, and the gap is stated below the table.
Important note on Chughtai Lab prices: Chughtai figures in this guide are the laboratory’s official rates, spot-checked on chughtailab.com/tests. Where the official rate differs from the figure on this site’s Chughtai list page, the official rate is used and the list figure is shown in brackets. For hepatitis C, that applies to Anti-HCV (official Rs 3,000; list Rs 2,650), HCV PCR qualitative (official Rs 8,000; list Rs 7,000), HCV PCR viral load (official Rs 11,000; list Rs 9,500) and HCV genotyping (official Rs 16,950; list Rs 14,750).
Note on Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH): No price is given for Aga Khan in this guide. Its hepatitis C prices are shown as “Price not publicly listed — confirm with the hospital” rather than using any figure from this site’s Aga Khan list page. Contact the hospital directly for its current rate.
Anti-HCV / HCV Antibody (Screening)
An antibody test looks for antibodies the body produces in response to hepatitis C. It is the usual first, screening step. A positive antibody result does not by itself confirm an active infection — that is why a confirmatory PCR test, described below, is part of the usual testing journey.
| Laboratory | Test as listed | Price (PKR) |
|---|---|---|
| Chughtai Lab | Anti-HCV | 3,000* |
| Islamabad Diagnostic Centre (IDC) | Anti-HCV | 1,150 |
| Dow Lab (DUHS) | Hepatitis C Antibody | 1,450 |
| Ibn-E-Sina Clinical Laboratory | Anti-HCV | 600 |
| Alnoor Diagnostic Centre | Anti-HCV | 800 |
| Khan Lab | Anti-HCV | 400 |
* Chughtai official rate; this site’s Chughtai list page shows Rs 2,650.
Not in this table: Dr Essa Laboratory has no antibody screening entry on its list page, and Aga Khan is shown as price not publicly listed (see the note above). Separately named variants on the lists are not merged into this table: IDC also lists “HCV Ab (Elisa)” at Rs 2,850; Dow also lists a donor variant at Rs 1,040 and an ICT variant at Rs 800; Ibn-E-Sina also lists “Anti HCV ELISA” at Rs 1,800; Alnoor also lists “ANTI HCV (ELISA)” at Rs 2,650; and Khan also lists “HCV Ab (Elisa)” at Rs 1,500 and “HCV Ab Screening” at Rs 400.
HCV RNA by PCR — Qualitative
A qualitative PCR test looks for the virus’s genetic material (RNA) in the blood and gives a detected / not detected type of answer. In general terms, this is the test that confirms whether the virus itself is present, rather than only showing that the body has produced antibodies. It is kept separate from the quantitative (viral load) test below, which measures how much virus is present.
| Laboratory | Test as listed | Price (PKR) |
|---|---|---|
| Chughtai Lab | HCV PCR Qual | 8,000* |
| Dr Essa Laboratory | HCV Qual PCR | 6,600 |
| Islamabad Diagnostic Centre (IDC) | HCV RNA PCR Qual | 9,800 |
| Dow Lab (DUHS) | Hcv Rna Detection by PCR Qual | 6,700 |
| Ibn-E-Sina Clinical Laboratory | HCV PCR Qual | 4,500 |
| Alnoor Diagnostic Centre | HCV PCR Qual | 7,000 |
| Khan Lab | HCV PCR Qual | 3,455 |
* Chughtai official rate; this site’s Chughtai list page shows Rs 7,000. Not in this table: Aga Khan, price not publicly listed.
HCV Viral Load — Quantitative PCR
A viral load test is a quantitative PCR test: it measures the amount of virus in the blood. It is a different test from the qualitative PCR above, even though both use PCR technology, and the two are never merged in this guide. Doctors commonly use a viral load result to understand the level of virus present and, in general terms, to follow up after a positive screening or confirmatory result.
| Laboratory | Test as listed | Price (PKR) |
|---|---|---|
| Chughtai Lab | HCV PCR Viral Load | 11,000* |
| Dr Essa Laboratory | HCV RNA PCR Quant | 10,400 |
| Islamabad Diagnostic Centre (IDC) | HCV RNA PCR Quant | 9,400 |
| Dow Lab (DUHS) | Hepatitis C Virus Viral Load (Quant) | 9,800 |
| Khan Lab | HCV PCR Quant | 3,524 |
* Chughtai official rate; this site’s Chughtai list page shows Rs 9,500. Not in this table: Ibn-E-Sina and Alnoor have no separate quantitative / viral load entry on their list pages, and Aga Khan is shown as price not publicly listed.
HCV Genotyping
Genotyping identifies which genotype (strain type) of the hepatitis C virus is present. It is a separate test from antibody screening and from PCR detection or viral load measurement, and it is priced separately below.
| Laboratory | Test as listed | Price (PKR) |
|---|---|---|
| Chughtai Lab | HCV Genotyping | 16,950* |
| Dr Essa Laboratory | HCV Genotype PCR | 14,600 |
| Ibn-E-Sina Clinical Laboratory | HCV Genotyping | 8,000 |
| Alnoor Diagnostic Centre | HCV Genotyping By PCR | 14,750 |
| Khan Lab | HCV Genotyping | Price varies on the list — confirm with the lab |
* Chughtai official rate; this site’s Chughtai list page shows Rs 14,750. Khan Lab note: Khan’s list page shows HCV Genotyping at both Rs 4,500 and Rs 1,000, an unresolved conflict, so no single Khan price is chosen here — confirm the price with the laboratory directly. Not in this table: IDC and Dow have no genotyping entry on their list pages, and Aga Khan is shown as price not publicly listed.
Price Summary
These ranges are taken strictly from the tables above, using the same test types and the same figures:
- Anti-HCV / HCV antibody screening: Rs 400 (Khan Lab) to Rs 3,000 (Chughtai Lab, official rate).
- HCV RNA by PCR, qualitative: Rs 3,455 (Khan Lab) to Rs 9,800 (IDC).
- HCV viral load, quantitative: Rs 3,524 (Khan Lab) to Rs 11,000 (Chughtai Lab, official rate).
- HCV genotyping (numbered prices only): Rs 8,000 (Ibn-E-Sina) to Rs 16,950 (Chughtai Lab, official rate). Khan Lab is excluded from this range because its list shows two different prices and no single figure is used.
The cheapest screening price does not mean the cheapest overall journey: a positive antibody screen is normally followed by PCR testing, which costs substantially more, so the total cost depends on which steps are actually needed.
What Each Test Type Means, in Plain Words
Antibody screening (Anti-HCV): checks whether the body has made antibodies against hepatitis C. It shows exposure, not necessarily a current, active infection.
Qualitative PCR (HCV RNA by PCR): checks whether the virus’s genetic material is present in the blood. In general terms, this is the confirmatory step after a positive screen.
Viral load (quantitative PCR): measures how much virus is present. It is a different question from simply detecting the virus, and it is priced as a separate test.
Genotyping: identifies the virus type. It is not a screening test and is not a substitute for antibody or PCR testing.
The Usual Testing Journey (General Information)
In general, testing usually starts with an antibody screen. If that screen is reactive (positive), the next step is usually a PCR test, on a doctor’s advice, to confirm whether there is an active infection. A doctor may then advise further tests, such as a viral load or genotyping, depending on the individual situation. This is general information about how the tests are normally used — it is not personal medical advice, and no treatment is discussed here. Always discuss your own results and next steps with your doctor.
Hepatitis C testing is also part of blood safety in general terms: blood donors are routinely screened for hepatitis C, which is one reason donor screening variants appear on some laboratory lists. Those donor variants are listed separately in this guide and are not the same as a general diagnostic screen.
Preparation
Preparation is general only, and you should follow the instructions given by the laboratory or doctor who requests your test. In general, hepatitis C blood tests do not have special preparation beyond a routine blood draw, but a laboratory may ask you to bring identification, a doctor’s request form, or previous reports. If you are unsure, ask the laboratory before your visit rather than assuming.
Understanding Your Results (General Information)
Reports commonly use words such as “reactive” and “non-reactive” for antibody tests, and “detected” and “not detected” for PCR tests. In general terms, “reactive” means the test found what it was looking for, and “non-reactive” means it did not. A reactive antibody result does not by itself mean a confirmed active infection, because only a PCR result can confirm the presence of the virus — and even then, only a doctor can diagnose, interpret the result in context, and advise on follow-up. Do not use a report on its own to make health decisions.
Getting Your Reports
Most major laboratories in Pakistan offer online report portals. Use the laboratory’s own portal for the lab you used, and check with that laboratory if a report is delayed. No report delivery times are stated here, because they were not verified for this guide.
- Chughtai Lab Online Reports
- IDC Online Reports
- Dow Lab Online Reports
- Dr Essa Lab Online Reports
- Alnoor Online Reports
- Aga Khan Lab Online Reports
- Ibn-E-Sina Lab Online Reports
How to Choose a Laboratory
Price is only one part of the decision. Start by matching the exact test name and type — an antibody screen, a qualitative PCR, a viral load and genotyping are four different tests, and the cheapest figure for one is not comparable with a figure for another. Then consider the laboratory’s location and branch near you, home sample collection if you need it, report access, and whether the laboratory can confirm the price for the exact test you need, especially where a list shows a conflict (as with Khan Lab genotyping) or where a price is not publicly listed (as with Aga Khan). Confirm the total cost before booking, including any home collection charges, which are not included in the table prices above.
Related guides: LFT Test Price in Pakistan, CRP Test Price in Pakistan, Lab Test Prices in Karachi, Lab Test Prices in Lahore, and Lab Test Prices in Islamabad. Full laboratory lists used for this guide: Chughtai Lab test list, Dr Essa Lab test list, IDC test list, Dow Lab test list, Ibn-E-Sina test list, Alnoor test list, Khan Lab test list, and Aga Khan Lab test list.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest hepatitis C antibody test in Pakistan?
In the tables above, the lowest listed antibody screening price is Rs 400 at Khan Lab, followed by Rs 600 at Ibn-E-Sina and Rs 800 at Alnoor. Chughtai’s official antibody price is Rs 3,000, the highest in this table.
Is an antibody test enough to confirm hepatitis C?
No. In general terms, an antibody test is a screening test. A reactive (positive) antibody result is normally confirmed with a PCR test, on a doctor’s advice, because the antibody test alone does not confirm an active infection.
What is the difference between qualitative PCR and viral load?
Qualitative PCR answers whether the virus’s genetic material is detected. Viral load is a quantitative PCR test that measures how much virus is present. They are separate tests with separate prices, and this guide keeps them in separate tables.
How much does HCV PCR cost in Pakistan?
Qualitative HCV PCR in the tables ranges from Rs 3,455 (Khan Lab) to Rs 9,800 (IDC). Viral load (quantitative PCR) ranges from Rs 3,524 (Khan Lab) to Rs 11,000 (Chughtai Lab, official rate). Always check which PCR type you are being quoted for.
Why is Khan Lab’s genotyping price not shown as a number?
Khan Lab’s list page shows HCV Genotyping at both Rs 4,500 and Rs 1,000. Because that conflict is unresolved, this guide does not pick one figure; the row states that the price varies on the list and that you should confirm it with the laboratory.
A Final Note
This guide is an independent price comparison. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Chughtai Lab, Dr Essa Laboratory, Islamabad Diagnostic Centre, Dow Lab, Ibn-E-Sina Clinical Laboratory, Alnoor Diagnostic Centre, Khan Lab, or Aga Khan University Hospital, and it is not medical advice. Prices are listed prices as of November 2026 and may vary by branch or city; confirm the current price with the laboratory before booking, and discuss any result or next step with your doctor.
Last updated: November 2026
Related: Hepatitis B Test Price in Pakistan.
