Question 1

What is Hepatitis C Infection?

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 is transmitted through blood-to-blood contact. The Hepatitis C Antibody with Reflex to HCV RNA Quantitative Real-Time PCR is the most important test for diagnosis because it both screens for exposure and confirms active infection.

Question 2

What causes Hepatitis C infection?

Accepted Answer

Hepatitis C infection is caused by the Hepatitis C virus (HCV), which spreads through direct contact with infected blood. Common transmission routes include sharing needles or drug equipment, receiving contaminated blood transfusions before 1992, needlestick injuries in healthcare settings, and less commonly through sexual contact or childbirth from an infected mother. The virus attacks liver cells and can persist for years, causing chronic inflammation that may lead to serious liver damage if left untreated.

Question 3

What is the best test for Hepatitis C infection?

Accepted Answer

The Hepatitis C Antibody with Reflex to HCV RNA Quantitative Real-Time PCR is the most important test for Hepatitis C because it provides comprehensive diagnosis in one order. This test first screens for HCV antibodies, which indicate whether you have ever been exposed to the virus. If antibodies are detected, the test automatically reflexes to measure the actual viral RNA in your blood using Real-Time PCR technology. This confirms whether the infection is currently active, quantifies your viral load, and helps your doctor determine if treatment is needed. This two-step approach eliminates the need for multiple separate tests and provides definitive answers about your infection status.

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 on long-term hemodialysis, have abnormal liver enzyme results, were born between 1945 and 1965, or have been exposed to HCV-positive blood. The CDC recommends all adults get tested at least once in their lifetime, as many people with Hepatitis C have no symptoms for decades. Testing is especially urgent if you notice unexplained fatigue, jaundice, or abdominal pain, as early detection allows for treatment that can cure the infection before permanent liver damage occurs.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of Hepatitis C infection?

Accepted Answer

Most people with Hepatitis C have no symptoms during the early stages of infection, which is why it is often called a silent disease. When symptoms do appear, they may include persistent fatigue, fever, nausea, poor appetite, abdominal pain, dark urine, clay-colored stools, joint pain, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). Many people do not realize they are infected until decades later when liver damage becomes advanced, which is why screening is so important even without symptoms.

Question 6

Who is at risk for Hepatitis C infection?

Accepted Answer

People at highest risk include current or former injection drug users, those who received blood transfusions or organ transplants before 1992, healthcare workers exposed to needlestick injuries, people on long-term hemodialysis, children born to HCV-positive mothers, and individuals with HIV infection. The baby boomer generation born between 1945 and 1965 has the highest prevalence of Hepatitis C in the United States. People who have had tattoos or piercings done with non-sterile equipment, shared personal items like razors or toothbrushes with an infected person, or had multiple sexual partners are also at increased risk.

Question 7

What happens if Hepatitis C infection is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated Hepatitis C can progress to serious and life-threatening liver complications over 20 to 30 years. Chronic infection causes ongoing liver inflammation that leads to scarring called fibrosis, which can advance to cirrhosis where the liver becomes severely damaged and cannot function properly. Cirrhosis increases your risk of liver cancer, liver failure requiring transplantation, portal hypertension, ascites (fluid buildup in the abdomen), and bleeding disorders. The good news is that modern antiviral treatments can cure Hepatitis C in more than 95% of cases when detected early, preventing these complications entirely.

Question 8

Can Hepatitis C be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Hepatitis C is diagnosed through blood tests that detect both antibodies and viral RNA. The initial screening test looks for HCV antibodies, which appear in your blood about 8 to 11 weeks after infection and indicate exposure to the virus. If antibodies are found, a follow-up RNA test measures the actual virus in your blood to confirm whether the infection is currently active. The viral load test also quantifies how much virus is present, which helps your doctor assess the severity of infection and monitor treatment response. Blood tests are the only way to definitively diagnose Hepatitis C.

Question 9

How is Hepatitis C treated?

Accepted Answer

Hepatitis C is treated with direct-acting antiviral (DAA) medications that target specific steps in the viral replication process. Modern treatments typically involve taking oral medications daily for 8 to 12 weeks, with cure rates exceeding 95% for most genotypes. These newer medications have far fewer side effects than older interferon-based treatments. Your doctor will determine the best treatment regimen based on your HCV genotype, viral load, degree of liver damage, and any previous treatment history. Successful treatment eliminates the virus from your body and prevents further liver damage, though it does not provide immunity against future infections.

Question 10

How can I prevent Hepatitis C infection?

Accepted Answer

You can prevent Hepatitis C by avoiding direct contact with infected blood. Never share needles, syringes, or drug preparation equipment, and avoid sharing personal items that might have blood on them such as razors, toothbrushes, or nail clippers. Ensure that tattoos and piercings are done at licensed facilities using sterile equipment. Healthcare workers should follow standard precautions and use safety-engineered needles to prevent needlestick injuries. Practice safer sex, especially if you have multiple partners or if your partner has Hepatitis C. There is currently no vaccine for Hepatitis C, so prevention through avoiding exposure is essential.

Question 11

What can I do at home for Hepatitis C infection?

Accepted Answer

While home remedies cannot cure Hepatitis C, you can support your liver health by avoiding alcohol completely, as it accelerates liver damage. Maintain a healthy weight and eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while limiting processed foods, saturated fats, and added sugars. Stay hydrated, get regular exercise, and ensure adequate sleep to support your immune system. Talk to your doctor before taking any supplements, vitamins, or over-the-counter medications, as some can be harmful to your liver. Most importantly, get tested and seek medical treatment with antiviral medications, which are the only way to eliminate the virus and prevent long-term complications.

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 Infection Blood Test

What is Hepatitis C Infection?

What causes Hepatitis C infection?

What is the best test for Hepatitis C infection?

When should I get tested for Hepatitis C?

References

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