Testing Overview
Patient Preparation
No Urination 1 hour before visiting the lab.
Lab Visit
30 Minute walk-in appointment.
Sample Required
Blood
1 tube.Result Turnaround
usually in 3 business days or less after lab visit for most tests.
Post Result Consult
Doctor Call if appropriate.
More About the Hepatitis C Test
Tell me about hepatitis C testing.
Our doctors have selected the Hepatitis C Antibody Test (Anti-HVC) to
detect the hepatitis C virus in blood. If you have been exposed to the
virus, your body will make antibodies to fight it and this test
identifies those antibodies. This FDA-approved test is used to screen
for hepatitis C.
Is this a Blood Test or a Urine Test?
The Hepatitis C Test is a blood test. When you get to the lab, the lab
technician will draw one small tube of blood. There’s no need to get
undressed or have any uncomfortable swabbing.
Will I Need to Fast or Prepare for the Test?
There is no preparation needed for the Hepatitis C Blood Test. You do
not need to fast.
What Will the Test Results Tell Me?
Hepatitis C Test results are either positive or negative. Positive
means the test found hepatitis C. Negative means you did not show any
signs of hepatitis C.
In the U.S., 10% of positives turn out to be “false positives,” meaning you don’t have hepatitis C, but antibodies to hepatitis C were detected on the test. Your body may have fought off a hepatitis C infection in the past and you were cured without any treatment. Up to 30% of the time, the body cures itself of hepatitis C. If you do test positive, our experts recommend additional testing to determine whether this is truly an active infection.
Is hepatitis C Curable?
Yes, hepatitis C is curable and as many as 30% of people with hepatitis C
will “cure” their own infection without any specific treatment.
Depending on the severity of symptoms, no treatment is necessary and
most people don’t ever recognize that they are sick with hepatitis C,
since the symptoms are mild or seem more like the flu.
Acute (new) hepatitis C is best managed through supportive care... a healthy diet, fluids and plenty of rest. Also, a liver specialist called a hepatologist should monitor you.
If left untreated, chronic or long term hepatitis C can lead to liver failure. At that stage it is not curable but there are treatment options that can help stop the virus from getting worse. Finding out you have hepatitis C before it gets to an advanced stage increases your chance of completely suppressing the virus with medication.
Who Should Be Tested for hepatitis C?
It’s recommended that those born between the years 1945 - 1965 and those
receiving blood transfusions before 1992 should test for hepatitis C.
If you live with someone who is infected with hepatitis C or if you have
had a sexual encounter with someone who has hepatitis C, you should be
tested. Consider hepatitis C testing as part of routine STD screening,
especially if you have had unprotected sex with someone whose STD status
you do not know or are concerned about.
When Is the Right Time to test for Hepatitis C?
For routine STD testing to know your sexual health status, test today.
Although hepatitis C may be detected as early as a few weeks after exposure, it is recommended you wait 8 - 9 weeks after an exposure for the most accurate results before testing. If you truly had a hepatitis C exposure, you should have a final follow up test 3 months after exposure to be sure there is no infection.
Remember, other STDs may be present at the same time as hepatitis C. For this reason, our doctors recommend the 8-test panel to test for 8 of the most common and serious STDs.
For a personalized test plan, call our Care Advisors at (866) 660-2593(866) 660-2593. Because different diseases become detectable by diagnostic testing at different times, this is the best way to ensure you get tested at the right time.
Medical Services Included
FDA-approved or CLIA certified diagnostic tests
The same STD tests trusted by doctors and hospitals nationwide.Results usually in 3 business days or less
Available as soon as possible, in your secure online account.Counsel with Care Advisors
Our team is here to help you before, during, and after you test.Local specimen collection
Visit one of LabCorp and Quest Diagnostic locations near you for sample collection.Confidential treatment of your information
We take your privacy very seriously, your information is as secure as hospital records
A doctor to discuss your results, where appropriate
Receive one-on-one phone consultation with doctor if you test positivePrescriptions sent to your pharmacy
If you test positive, our doctors can prescribe immediately during your consultPersonal guidance and referral services, if necessary
If you test positive for Hepatitis B & C, Syphilis, or HIV, our doctors will be on call for you and refer you to a specialist, where appropriate
What Happens When You Are Positive?
We Are Here For You.
If you test positive, a doctor will review your test results with you by phone, if appropriate. You can choose an appointment time that's convenient for you. The doctor will explain your results, ask followup questions, and provide counsel on treatment, prescriptions, and further testing, if necessary.
Doctors When YOU Need Them.
Order Now
Worried about a recent encounter?
It's very common to have an STD and not know it. Even if you are only concerned about
a single STD, you may be at risk for other diseases.
Learn More
- Chlamydia
- Hepatitis C
- Syphilis
- Gonorrhea
- Herpes I
- HIV
- Hepatitis B
- Herpes II
No Red Tape - Get tested in about 15 minutes and have your results usually in 3 business days or less.
No Hidden Medical Fees - No upcharges, no hidden fees, and no copays.
