Question 1

What is Hepatitis C?

Accepted Answer

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that causes inflammation and damage to the liver. It is caused by the Hepatitis C virus (HCV), which spreads through contact with infected blood. The Hepatitis Panel Acute with Reference Confirmation is the most important test for diagnosis because it detects HCV antibodies and confirms whether the infection is active or resolved.

Question 2

What causes Hepatitis C?

Accepted Answer

Hepatitis C is caused by the Hepatitis C virus (HCV), which spreads primarily through contact with infected blood. Common transmission routes include sharing needles or drug equipment, receiving contaminated blood transfusions before 1992, getting tattoos or piercings with unsterilized equipment, and healthcare exposure to infected blood. Less commonly, HCV can spread through sexual contact with an infected person or from mother to baby during childbirth.

Question 3

What is the best test for Hepatitis C?

Accepted Answer

The Hepatitis Panel Acute with Reference Confirmation is the most important test for Hepatitis C because it detects HCV antibodies in your blood and includes confirmation testing to determine whether you have an active infection or have cleared the virus. This comprehensive panel identifies exposure to the Hepatitis C virus and distinguishes between current and resolved infections, which is essential for making treatment decisions. If antibodies are detected, your healthcare provider may order additional RNA testing to confirm active viral replication and assess your viral load.

Question 4

When should I get tested for Hepatitis C?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you have ever injected drugs, received a blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1992, are currently or have been on long-term hemodialysis, have HIV infection, or were born between 1945 and 1965. The CDC recommends at least one-time testing for all adults, and you should also get tested if you have unexplained liver problems, were accidentally exposed to infected blood, or have a sexual partner with Hepatitis C. Early detection is crucial because many people have no symptoms for years while liver damage progresses silently.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of Hepatitis C?

Accepted Answer

Many people with Hepatitis C have no symptoms for years or even decades after infection. When symptoms do appear, they may include fatigue, fever, nausea, loss of appetite, stomach pain, dark urine, clay-colored stools, joint pain, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). Acute Hepatitis C symptoms can develop 2 to 12 weeks after exposure, but most people do not experience noticeable symptoms during the acute phase. Chronic Hepatitis C develops when the infection persists beyond six months and can lead to serious liver complications over time.

Question 6

Who is at risk for Hepatitis C?

Accepted Answer

People at highest risk include current or former injection drug users, healthcare workers exposed to infected blood, individuals who received blood transfusions or organ transplants before 1992, people on long-term hemodialysis, and those born to mothers with Hepatitis C. The baby boomer generation (born 1945-1965) accounts for about 75% of Hepatitis C cases in the United States. Other risk factors include getting tattoos or body piercings with non-sterile equipment, sharing personal items like razors or toothbrushes with infected individuals, and having HIV infection or multiple sexual partners.

Question 7

What happens if Hepatitis C is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated Hepatitis C can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications. About 75-85% of people who contract HCV develop chronic infection, which progressively damages the liver over 20-30 years. Chronic Hepatitis C can cause cirrhosis (severe liver scarring), liver failure, liver cancer, and death. The liver damage is often silent, progressing without noticeable symptoms until significant complications develop. Early detection and treatment with modern antiviral medications can cure Hepatitis C in more than 95% of cases, preventing these severe outcomes and allowing the liver to heal.

Question 8

Can Hepatitis C be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Hepatitis C is diagnosed through blood tests that detect antibodies to the virus and confirm active infection. The initial screening test looks for HCV antibodies, which indicate exposure to the virus at some point in your life. If antibodies are found, a confirmatory RNA test determines whether the virus is currently active in your body or if your immune system has cleared the infection. Blood tests can also measure viral load (the amount of virus in your blood) and identify the specific genotype of Hepatitis C, which helps guide treatment decisions.

Question 9

How is Hepatitis C treated?

Accepted Answer

Hepatitis C is treated with direct-acting antiviral (DAA) medications that cure the infection in 8-12 weeks for most people. Modern treatments have cure rates exceeding 95% with minimal side effects compared to older interferon-based therapies. Treatment involves taking oral medications daily, and the specific regimen depends on your HCV genotype, whether you have cirrhosis, and previous treatment history. After completing treatment, you will need follow-up blood tests to confirm the virus is gone. Successful treatment eliminates the virus from your body, prevents progression to cirrhosis and liver cancer, and can allow some liver damage to reverse over time.

Question 10

How can I prevent Hepatitis C?

Accepted Answer

You can prevent Hepatitis C by avoiding contact with infected blood. Never share needles, syringes, or other drug injection equipment. If you get tattoos or body piercings, ensure the facility uses sterile equipment and follows proper infection control practices. Do not share personal items that might have blood on them, such as razors, toothbrushes, or nail clippers. Healthcare workers should follow standard precautions and use safety devices to prevent needlestick injuries. While there is no vaccine for Hepatitis C, these prevention measures are highly effective at reducing your risk of infection.

Question 11

What can I do at home for Hepatitis C?

Accepted Answer

If you have Hepatitis C, protect your liver by avoiding alcohol completely, as it accelerates liver damage. Maintain a healthy weight through balanced nutrition and regular exercise to prevent fatty liver disease, which worsens HCV-related liver damage. Talk to your doctor before taking any medications, supplements, or herbs, as some can harm your liver. Get vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B to prevent additional liver infections. Manage other health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and get adequate sleep to support your immune system while undergoing treatment or managing chronic infection.

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.

Hepatitis C Blood Test

What is Hepatitis C?

What causes Hepatitis C?

What is the best test for Hepatitis C?

When should I get tested for Hepatitis C?

References

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