Question 1

What is Chronic Hepatitis C?

Accepted Answer

Chronic Hepatitis C is a long-term liver infection that persists for more than six months. It is caused by the Hepatitis C virus (HCV), which continues to replicate in the body when the immune system cannot eliminate it. The Hepatitis C Antibody with Reflex to HCV RNA Quantitative Real-Time PCR is the most important test for diagnosis because it detects both antibodies and confirms active viral infection.

Question 2

What causes Chronic Hepatitis C?

Accepted Answer

Chronic Hepatitis C is caused by the Hepatitis C virus (HCV), which enters the bloodstream and infects liver cells. The virus spreads through contact with infected blood, most commonly through sharing needles, receiving contaminated blood transfusions before 1992, or healthcare exposure to infected needles. Unlike acute Hepatitis C where the immune system may clear the virus naturally within six months, chronic Hepatitis C develops when your body cannot eliminate the virus, allowing it to persist and continuously replicate in your liver for years or decades.

Question 3

What is the best test for Chronic Hepatitis C?

Accepted Answer

The Hepatitis C Antibody with Reflex to HCV RNA Quantitative Real-Time PCR is the most important test for Chronic Hepatitis C because it provides a comprehensive two-stage diagnosis. This test first screens for Hepatitis C antibodies in your blood, which indicate exposure to the virus. If antibodies are detected, the test automatically reflexes to measure the actual viral RNA, confirming whether you have an active, ongoing infection. The Hepatitis C Viral RNA Quantitative Real-Time PCR is another essential test that directly measures the amount of virus in your bloodstream, which helps determine treatment strategies and monitor how well antiviral medications are working.

Question 4

When should I get tested for Chronic Hepatitis C?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you were born between 1945 and 1965, as this generation has the highest rates of infection. Get tested immediately if you have ever injected drugs, received a blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1992, are on long-term hemodialysis, or have HIV. You should also test if you notice symptoms like persistent fatigue, dark urine, jaundice, or unexplained abdominal pain, or if you work in healthcare and have been exposed to needles or blood. Early detection is critical because chronic Hepatitis C can silently damage your liver for years before symptoms appear.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of Chronic Hepatitis C?

Accepted Answer

Most people with Chronic Hepatitis C experience no symptoms for years or even decades, which is why it is often called a silent infection. When symptoms do appear, you might notice persistent fatigue, muscle and joint pain, nausea, loss of appetite, or mild abdominal discomfort. As liver damage progresses, more severe symptoms can develop including jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes), dark-colored urine, pale stools, easy bruising or bleeding, fluid retention in the abdomen, and confusion or mental fog. Many people only discover they have Chronic Hepatitis C through routine blood work or when they develop complications from advanced liver disease.

Question 6

Who is at risk for Chronic Hepatitis C?

Accepted Answer

People who have ever injected drugs, even once many years ago, are at highest risk for Chronic Hepatitis C. Healthcare workers exposed to needles or infected blood, people who received blood transfusions or organ transplants before 1992, and individuals on long-term kidney dialysis face increased risk. You are also at risk if you have HIV, were born to a mother with Hepatitis C, have received tattoos or body piercings with non-sterile equipment, or have shared personal items like razors or toothbrushes with someone infected. The baby boomer generation (born 1945-1965) has five times higher infection rates than other age groups and should be tested even without obvious risk factors.

Question 7

What happens if Chronic Hepatitis C is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated Chronic Hepatitis C progressively damages your liver over 20 to 30 years, leading to serious and potentially life-threatening complications. About 20 to 30 percent of people develop cirrhosis, where healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue that impairs liver function. Once you have cirrhosis, you face increased risk of liver failure, where your liver can no longer perform essential functions like filtering toxins and producing proteins. You also have a significantly higher risk of developing liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma), which can be fatal. Many people with untreated Chronic Hepatitis C eventually require a liver transplant, but modern antiviral treatments can cure the infection in over 95 percent of cases when caught early.

Question 8

Can Chronic Hepatitis C be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Chronic Hepatitis C is diagnosed through specific blood tests that detect both antibodies to the virus and the virus itself. The Hepatitis C Antibody test identifies whether your immune system has ever been exposed to HCV by detecting antibodies in your blood. However, antibodies can persist even after the virus is cleared, so a follow-up HCV RNA test is essential to confirm that you have an active, ongoing infection. The HCV RNA Quantitative Real-Time PCR test measures the actual amount of virus in your bloodstream, definitively diagnosing chronic infection when viral RNA remains detectable for more than six months. Additional liver function tests and imaging may be used to assess the extent of liver damage.

Question 9

How is Chronic Hepatitis C treated?

Accepted Answer

Chronic Hepatitis C is treated with direct-acting antiviral (DAA) medications that target specific steps in the virus life cycle, stopping it from reproducing. These newer medications, taken as pills once daily for 8 to 12 weeks, cure over 95 percent of infections with minimal side effects compared to older treatments. Your doctor will determine the best medication regimen based on your HCV genotype (viral strain), degree of liver damage, and whether you have been treated before. Treatment goals include achieving sustained virologic response (SVR), which means no detectable virus in your blood 12 weeks after completing therapy and is considered a cure. Regular blood tests during and after treatment monitor viral RNA levels to ensure the medication is working effectively.

Question 10

How can I prevent Chronic Hepatitis C?

Accepted Answer

You can prevent Chronic Hepatitis C by avoiding contact with infected blood, which means never sharing needles, syringes, or any drug injection equipment. Always ensure tattoo and piercing shops use sterile, single-use needles and follow proper safety protocols. Do not share personal items that might have blood on them, including razors, nail clippers, toothbrushes, or glucose monitors. If you work in healthcare, always follow standard precautions when handling needles and blood products, and seek immediate medical attention if exposed to potentially infected blood. Practice safe sex if your partner has Hepatitis C, particularly if either partner has genital sores or during menstruation. There is currently no vaccine for Hepatitis C, making prevention through behavioral measures essential.

Question 11

What can I do at home to support my liver with Chronic Hepatitis C?

Accepted Answer

You can support your liver health at home by completely avoiding alcohol, which accelerates liver damage when you have Chronic Hepatitis C. Maintain a healthy weight through balanced nutrition and regular exercise, as excess weight can contribute to fatty liver disease and worsen inflammation. Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while limiting processed foods, saturated fats, and added sugars. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Talk to your doctor before taking any medications, supplements, or herbal remedies, as many can stress your liver or interact with antiviral treatments. Get adequate sleep, manage stress through relaxation techniques, and avoid exposure to toxic chemicals or fumes that your liver must process.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Chronic Hepatitis C Blood Test

What is Chronic Hepatitis C?

What causes Chronic Hepatitis C?

What is the best test for Chronic Hepatitis C?

When should I get tested for Chronic Hepatitis C?

References

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