Hepatitis C Virus

The Hepatitis C Test is done to detect the hepatitis C virus. The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is spread by coming in contact with blood infected with HCV. There are six major strains of HCV. About 50% to 80% of people infected with HCV develop a chronic infection, meaning that it lasts for many years and often never goes away. Most people with chronic hepatitis C have some degree of liver inflammation all the time, but most do not have symptoms.

Once the hepatitis C virus enters the body, it takes about 2 weeks to 6 months for the infection to develop. Infection is detected by symptoms (such as jaundice, body aches, fever, or fatigue) or abnormal liver tests and a positive HCV RNA test.

One test for hepatitis C detects the antibodies (anti-HCV) produced by the body to fight the hepatitis C infection. The presence of anti-HCV antibodies in the blood indicates an HCV infection, but does not distinguish between an acute or chronic infection. The enzyme immunoassay (EIA) test may be the first test done to detect anti-HCV antibodies. Occasionally, a supplemental test called the recombinant immunoblot assay (RIBA) may be done to confirm a positive EIA test result.

Other, more sophisticated lab tests (such as the polymerase chain reaction, PCR) are often done to detect the genetic material (RNA) of the hepatitis C virus. Hepatitis C RNA can be detected in a person's blood within 1 to 2 weeks after exposure to the virus. HCV RNA testing may be done to confirm a positive result on an HCV antibody test, to define the level of virus in the blood (called viral load), or to predict the likelihood that a person with HCV will respond to medical treatment. Another RNA test called genotyping can define the strain of hepatitis C and predict the likelihood of responding to treatment.

Note that although the CDC referrs people to LabSafe for private STD testing, LabSafe does not work for any government agency or insurance company and we operate independently so that we can serve YOU. Privacy is the core of LabSafe's success.

Call LabSafe toll free at 1-888-333-LABS to speak with a Medical Counselor for further information, or simply place your Hepatitis C Test order online.