Screening for hepatitis C is performed by measuring antibody to HCV (anti-HCV) in a persons serum. A positive test (detection of the antibody) is not a diagnosis of the disease; it only indicates that a person was previously exposed to hepatitis C.

How do you screen for hep C?

A blood test, called an HCV antibody test, is used to find out if someone has ever been infected with the hepatitis C virus. The HCV antibody test, sometimes called the anti-HCV test, looks for antibodies to the hepatitis C virus in blood.

Does Hep C show up in routine blood tests?

Tests for hepatitis C are typically done in labs that perform routine blood work. A regular blood sample will be taken and analyzed. HCV antibodies shown in test results indicate the presence of the hepatitis C virus.

When do you screen for hep C?

The hepatitis C (HCV) window period is usually 4–10 weeks from the time of exposure. After 6 months , most people will have developed enough antibodies for an HCV test to detect. In rare cases, however, antibodies can take up to 9 months to develop.

How is hepatitis screening done?

Hepatitis screening involves testing a small sample of blood for antigens and antibodies to determine whether the individual has been infected with viral hepatitis. Antigens are foreign substances, such as microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, fungi, parasites, viruses) or chemicals, which invade the body.

Why would my doctor order a Hep C antibody test?

A hepatitis C antibody test is used to find out if you are infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). When your body is infected with a virus, it produces antibodies to fight the virus. The hepatitis C antibody test looks for antibodies that the body produces in response to the presence of HCV.

Who gets screened for Hep C?

Everyone ages 18 to 79 needs to get tested for hepatitis C at least once. Many people who have hepatitis C live for years without feeling sick. But the virus can still damage your liver — even when there arent any symptoms. You could also spread the virus to others without knowing it.

Is Hep C curable 2020?

Yes. The good news is that chronic Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is usually curable with oral medications taken every day. Antiviral drugs can cure more than 90 percent of people with chronic hepatitis C after 12 weeks of treatment.

What happens if HCV is positive?

A positive result means that you were exposed to the hepatitis C virus at some point in your life. If the result is positive, your provider will perform a second test called hepatitis C virus RNA (or HCV RNA) to see if the virus is still in your body.

Why would my doctor order a hepatitis panel?

Your doctor may order a hepatitis panel if you have symptoms of hepatitis. These symptoms include fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, yellowing of your eyes or skin (jaundice), dark yellow urine, and feeling very tired.

How long does Hep C results take?

Getting tested for hepatitis C Test results can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to come back. Rapid anti-HCV tests are available in some health clinics and the results of these tests are available in 20 to 30 minutes.