Hepatitis C Test
How We Test for Hepatitis C
Our clinicians test for hepatitis C using the FDA-approved hepatitis C Antibody test. This hepatitis C test searches for antibodies produced by the body in response to the presence of the virus in the bloodstream.
Our CLIA-certified labs take a small blood sample to conduct the test. No undressing or uncomfortable swabbing is necessary.
All laboratory tests, including STD testing, measure accuracy in terms of sensitivity and specificity. Our FDA-approved hepatitis C test has a sensitivity rate of 100% and a specificity of 99.99%.
Hepatitis C
Testing Process
5 Minute
Testing processSample Required
Small Blood SampleResults
Ready in 1-2 daysDoctor Consultation
Over the phone, if results are positiveMore Information About Hepatitis C Testing
Does hepatitis C testing use blood or urine?
The Hepatitis C Antibody Test is a blood test that searches for antibodies to the hepatitis C virus in the bloodstream. Only a small blood sample is needed to complete the test.What do I need to do to prepare for the test?
The Hepatitis C Antibody test is a blood test, and no fasting or any other preparation is needed.When is the right time to test for hepatitis C?
Different people react differently to the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). On average, it takes the body about 8-9 weeks to create antibodies. This is the time recommended by our clinicians to test for hepatitis C. You should also have a follow-up test 3 months post-exposure to confirm that there is no active hepatitis C (HCV) infection.What will the test results say?
If negative, no hepatitis C antibodies were found in your blood. If positive, hepatitis C antibodies were found in your blood. Although uncommon, 10% of positives may be "false positives." In those cases, antibodies for the hepatitis C virus are sometimes found because your body may have fought the virus in the past. If your results are positive, our doctors may recommend follow-up tests to determine if you have an active infection.Can hepatitis C be cured or treated?
Depending on whether it is acute (new) or chronic (long-lasting), no treatment may be necessary. Many may not even be aware that they have the hepatitis C virus since its symptoms can be mild and may feel like the flu. Acute hepatitis C can be managed through healthy diet, taking plenty of fluids and adequate rest. It is also recommended to see a liver specialist to ensure that your liver has not been affected. Untreated or chronic hepatitis C infection can lead to serious liver disease, including liver failure. Diagnosing hepatitis C before it progresses to the chronic stage increases your chances of treating the infection without serious complications.Who needs hepatitis C testing?
If you were born between 1945 and 1965 or had a blood transfusion or organ transplant before July 1992, it is recommended that you get tested for hepatitis C. If you are a current or former injection drug user, hepatitis C testing is advisable. If you have had a recent unprotected sexual encounter or live with somebody who has Hepatitis C, you should consider taking a hepatitis C test as part of your routine STD testing.
When is the Right Time to Test For Hepatitis C?
Now is the best time to test for hepatitis C. Know your sexual health status today.
If you have had a recent unprotected sexual encounter with someone whose hepatitis C status you do not know, you should get tested.
Also, if you have recently been exposed to needles or been injured by a sharp object, you are at risk of contracting hepatitis C. Getting tested now is the best option to prevent acute hepatitis C from developing into chronic hepatitis C. On average it takes the body about 8-9 weeks to create antibodies. This is the doctor-recommended period for hepatitis C testing.
Also if you have not been tested for other STDs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV-1, HIV-2, hepatitis A and B, herpes-1 or herpes-2, in the last year, our clinicians recommend taking the all-inclusive 10 Test Panel to ensure that you are completely STD free.
We also offer a chlamydia-gonorrhea test panel. Chlamydia and gonorrhea are known as co-existing infections, meaning having one infection puts you at risk of having the other.
For answers to your questions, please call our Care Advisors at 1-800-456-2323.
Medically Reviewed by Julie Hutchinson, MD on February 25, 2023
Our Service Includes:
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Sent to your email as soon as they are available
If your test result is positive, you can speak with one of our doctors
Our trained Care Advisors are available over the phone or online to answer your questions
With our 4500 testing centers nationwide, your sample collection is easy and convenient
If you need treatment, our doctors can prescribe medication, at their discretion, for pick-up at your local pharmacy
What happens if you test positive for Hepatitis C?
If you test positive for Hepatitis C, our doctors are available to consult with you over the phone at no additional cost. Your results, available treatments, and follow-up testing can be discussed during this phone call. In addition, our Care Advisors are available 24/7 at 1-800-456-2323 to answer any questions you may have about your Hepatitis C test results.
We are here for you. Call us at 1-800-456-2323
Very quick and easy. I went to the lab the same day and was in and out in 5 minutes. I received my results in 24 hours.
10 Test Panel
No Long Delays - Testing usually takes a few minutes and your results are available within 1-2 days.
No Surprises - No hidden fees, no extra charges.
- HIV Type 1
- HIV Type 2
- Herpes 1
- Herpes 2
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Syphilis