What is the Hepatitis C test?
Hepatitis C Check - Frequently Asked QuestionsThe human body makes antibodies to fight off all kinds of infections. Your body creates antibodies to the hepatitis C virus if you are infected with it. This service tests your blood for these antibodies.
Related QuestionsCan you get a false positive hepatitis C test result?
AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts:It is possible to get a false positive test result. This happens when a doctor or laboratory has not performed a confirmatory antibody test before giving people their results. When a person has an antibody test, the lab usually runs two different kinds of tests. One is called an EIA test which is highly sensitive. It can sometimes overreact, so a positive result with the EIA is usually followed up with a RIBA test which is a sophisticated, highly-specific, antibody test.
Related QuestionsWhat exactly does the Hepatitis C test do?
Hepatitis C Check - Frequently Asked QuestionsAny Hepatitis C test checks your blood specimen for Hepatitis C antibodies. The body creates antibodies to Hepatitis C when an individual becomes infected by the virus. By testing blood for these antibodies, a laboratory tell if Hepatitis C is present.
Related QuestionsHow accurate is the Hepatitis C at-home test?
Hepatitis C Check - Frequently Asked QuestionsHome Access® Hepatitis C Check Tests are designed to provide you with a scientific test result that you can trust. Home Access' Hepatitis C Check Tests use the same tests run by doctors and hospitals and is clinically proven to be greater than 99% accurate.
Related Questionswhat is hepatitis c?
FAQHepatitis C Virus (HCV) is spread mostly from contact with infected blood, such as a blood transfusion (before 1992), kidney dialysis, or through injecting drug use. It is rarely sexually transmitted, although sex with multiple partners or a history of sexually transmitted diseases can put people at risk for it. The virus can enter the body through minor cuts or scrapes by razors, toothbrushes or on needles used for tattooing, body piercing or on materials used to snort drugs.
Related QuestionsHepatitis C Check - Frequently Asked QuestionsHepatitis C is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), which is found in an infected person's blood. Hepatitis C is a serious disease. Many people may carry the virus for the rest of their lives. Infected people can develop liver damage, but do not necessarily feel sick. Even those who develop a persistent infection may not show symptoms until there is severe liver damage.Related Questions
What does a positive hepatitis C antibody test mean?
AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts:A positive antibody test could mean one of two things. It could mean that a person is infected with hepatitis C and is a chronic carrier. Or, it could mean that the person was infected with hepatits C but has cleared it from his or her body. An antibody test cannot tell anyone which of those two categories applies. Once infected, you will always have hepatitis C antibodies, and therefore will always test positive on a hepatitis C screening test.
Related QuestionsWhere can I go to be checked for Hepatitis C? What happens if I test positive for Hepatitis C?
County of Santa Cruz Health Services Agency - Frequently Ask...A test for Hepatitis C involves taking a sample of blood, and must be done by order of a doctor. You will need to get your doctor to test you. Those who test positive for Hepatitis C will receive a letter from the health department with additional information. To receive this letter, please call 454-4114 and ask to speak with a member of the Disease Control Unit.
Related QuestionsWhat are the symptoms of hepatitis C?
AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts:In most cases, people infected with hepatitis C experience no symptoms. Hepatitis C is a very slow moving virus, so symptoms my not even present themselves for 20 years or longer. The most common symptoms of hepatitis C are fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, muscle or joint pain, and jaundice (a yellowing of the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes).
Related QuestionsHow is hepatitis C transmitted?
AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts:Hepatitis C is a blood borne virus, and is transmitted through direct blood-to-blood contact. The most common ways for hepatitis C to be transmitted is through sharing needles with an infected person, having had a blood transfusion prior to 1992, sharing personal care items such has razors that could have infected blood on them, and from mother to child during childbirth. in rare cases, hepatitis C can be transmitted through sex.
Related QuestionsHow easy is it to get hepatitis C from sex?
AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts:It is possible to transmit hepatitis C through sex, but it is not an efficient transmission method. It is much more likely to get hepatitis C through sharing needles or "works", or having had a blood transfusion before 1992. Having a sexually transmitted disease or having sex that involves blood can increase the risk of getting hepatitis C through sex.
Related QuestionsIf people get hepatitis C, will they always have it?
AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts:Hepatitis C is interesting in that about 15% of people who get the infection can clear the virus completely out of their bodies naturally within the first 6 months of their infection. This means that those people are no longer infected and can no longer spread the virus to other people. However, 85% of people with hepatitis C will become chronic carriers. These people will always be capable of transmitting the virus to others through blood.
Related QuestionsCan people become reinfected with hepatitis C?
AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts:Yes. People who have cleared the virus either naturally or through medication can become infected again. Also, people who have active hepatitis C can become infected with additional genotypes (strains) of hepatitis C.
Related QuestionsWhen was hepatitis C first discovered?
AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts:Doctors and scientists recognized a type of hepatitis in the early 1970's that they called Non-A, non-B hepatitis. In 1987, they discovered that it was a unique virus and named it Hepatitis C.
Related QuestionsHow can people find out if they have hepatitis C?
AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts:Since 1992, antibody tests have been available to determine if people have been infected. Today, people can have these tests performed at their doctors' offices. For people with no insurance, there are some clinics that can also perform the tests for free or reduced fees. For people who would like to get tested, it is a good idea to wait between 3-6 months from the last time they had a risk of infection before they go in for the test.
Related QuestionsWhat are some things that someone with hepatitis C should avoid?
AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts:Avoiding alcohol (even small amounts) is extremely important. Tylenol and other over-the-counter and prescription drugs can also cause liver damage. High iron diets can cause damage. Good nutrition, exercise, and sleep are helpful in keeping the liver healthy.
Related QuestionsWhat is the difference between Hepatitis A, B, and C?
FAQHepatitis A (HAV) is caused by a virus found in feces (people's stool). You can get it by coming in contact with infected feces. The most common way is by swallowing food or liquids that get contaminated by hands that are not washed thoroughly after using the toilet. You can also get Hepatitis A through sexual acts like 'rimming' (licking someone's anus) or via oral sex on a male's penis after he has had anal sex.
Related QuestionsFrequently Asked Questions About Hepatitis CHepatitis C virus is transmitted through contact with an infected person's blood. The following list describes possible sources of hepatitis C transmission: Sexual transmission (rare). Note: The risk of sexual transmission to an individual is probably less than 3-6% when a person is in a stable, single partner relationship over 20 years. Other possible risk behaviors include tattoos, body piercing, folk medicine or using intranasal cocaine.Related Questions
What is the treatment for chronic hepatitis C?
Frequently Asked Questions About Viral HepatitisSOURCE: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Health Topics A-Z: Hepatitis (Viral) "Hepatitis A FAQ", "Hepatitis B FAQ", Hepatitis C FAQ"
Related QuestionsFAQ Hepatitis C - VISN 17 - VA North Texas Health Care Syste...You used a contaminated needle to inject drugs, like heroin or cocaine, only if it was only once, many years ago. You were a health care worker and had contact with blood in the workplace, especially through needle stick injuries. You had sex with a person infected with HCV or had many sex partners. While the risk of getting HCV by having sex is low, it is still possible.Related Questions
How can you tell if someone is infected with Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C Check - Frequently Asked QuestionsOnly with a blood test. A person can be Hepatitis C -infected for many years while looking and feeling healthy, with no signs at all of being sick.
Related QuestionsIs hepatitis C contagious?
Hepatitis C Check - Frequently Asked QuestionsYes. Usually the hepatitis C virus is spread from one person to another by direct exposure to infected blood or blood products, and contaminated needles or other sharp objects. Occasionally, the hepatitis C virus may be spread by: 1.) an infected mother to her newborn; 2.) sharing household objects with an infected household member. Do not share items that may be contaminated with blood such as razors and toothbrushes.; or 3.) sexual contact.
Related QuestionsHow can I be exposed to Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C Check - Frequently Asked QuestionsUnprotected sex with someone who is infected or sharing a needle or other drug equipment with someone who is infected.
Related QuestionsWhy get tested for Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C Check - Frequently Asked QuestionsGenerally speaking, there are a number of reasons that prompt a person to take a Hepatitis C test. Whether it is: ... --getting tested for Hepatitis C can help foster peace of mind, regardless of your test result. And, if you are concerned about testing positive for Hepatitis C, it is important to recognize that today more than ever before, there is new medical treatment that is helping thousands of people infected with Hepatitis C lead healthier, active lives.
Related QuestionsWhat can I do now that my hepatitis C test is positive?
If You Have Hepatitis CContact your doctor. Additional tests may be needed to check your diagnosis and to see if you have liver damage.
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