About Our Hepatitis C

Overview

Can lead to serious liver infection Unlike other versions of Hepatitis, which often clear up on their own, HCV usually lingers in the blood when untreated and can lead to serious, long-term complications. It is estimated that 2% of the global population is infected with the disease, and around 400,000 people die annually with the disease. Currently there is no vaccination to present the disease, so it’s crucial to get tested and stay safe in situations that seem dangerous, though treatment is possible once you are diagnosed. Most people with HCV are asymptomatic. Unlike Hepatitis A or B, Hepatitis C often remains in the bloodstream for up to 85% of affected individuals. It can pave the way for chronic symptoms that, eventually, cause irreparable liver damages and even cancers.

Test Contents

Hepatitis C is a liver disease that is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Hepatitis C is a bloodborne disease and exposure to the blood of an infected person may result in infection. Abnormal results may require further evaluation by your physician. This test is used for detecting antibodies to Hepatitis C virus. Since a person with past infection will have a life long antibody response, confirmed positive antibody tests mean that at the person had been exposed to the virus at one time or another. This test is extremely effective in ruling out HCV. The most up to date EIA is capable of antibody detection as early as six-eight weeks. Though a negative test at this time can be extremely useful, it is best to wait about three months to avoid the need for a follow up test. Since as many as 90% of commercial intravenous immunoglobulins test positive for hepatitis C antibody, an artifactual positive can result briefly after transfusion. In August 2012, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued final guidance recommending that all people born during 1945-1965 be tested for Hepatitis C virus (HCV). An analysis of 1999-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data found that 1 in 30 baby boomers is infected with HCV. Plus, baby boomers account for approximately 75% of HCV prevalence in the US. Many were infected before there was any awareness of HCV or how it is transmitted. Furthermore, most are asymptomatic and often unaware of their infection until significant complications from chronic HCV arise.

Symptoms

Often, HCV is silent. When it does start showing symptoms, you may notice:

When To Check

You should consider taking an HCV test if you: Are a health care worker who has been exposed to infected blood, which may happen if an infected needle pierces your skin Have ever injected or inhaled illicit drugs Have HIV Received a piercing or tattoo in an unclean environment using unsterile equipment Received a blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1992 Received clotting factor concentrates before 1987 Received hemodialysis treatments for a long period of time Were born to a woman with a hepatitis C infection Were ever in prison Were born between 1945 and 1965, the age group with the highest incidence of hepatitis C infection

How to test

Frequently Asked Questions