Hepatitis C Test With Confirmation

Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). It is spread mainly through direct blood-to-blood contact, most often from sharing needles or other equipment to inject drugs. Less common ways to contract HCV are from mother to child at birth and sexual contact.

For some people, hepatitis C is a short-term illness. However, more than half of those infected develop a long-term, chronic infection. Chronic hepatitis C can damage the liver over time and lead to cirrhosis (scarring), liver cancer, and serious complications.

Recommended testing for hepatitis C starts with an antibody test (anti-HCV) to check for antibodies that show if a person has ever been exposed to the virus.

• A negative antibody result means the person has likely never been exposed.
• A positive antibody result means exposure at some point but does not confirm current infection.

If antibodies are present, a follow-up HCV RNA (PCR) test is done to detect the virus itself. A positive RNA test confirms an active infection and will require medical evaluation and treatment.

Unlike hepatitis B, there is no vaccine for hepatitis C but, according to the CDC, modern antiviral medicines can cure more than 95% of people with chronic HCV.

If you are experiencing symptoms of liver disease or have been exposed to HCV, our Hepatitis C Test with Confirmation can be used to provide an HCV diagnosis or monitor treatment of HCV infection.

Please note: The CDC recommends that all adults should be tested at least once. Testing is also recommended based on risk factors. Click here for the complete CDC recommendations for hepatitis C testing.

Those infected with HCV may have no symptoms (asymptomatic) or experience only mild symptoms until liver damage is advanced. Our Hepatitis C Test with Confirmation may be helpful in identifying if you have past or current infection with HCV.

If you do develop symptoms of initial/acute infection, you will notice them 2-12 weeks after infection. Signs & symptoms of HBV can include³:

• Abdominal pain
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Dark yellow urine
• Clay-colored stools
• Joint pain
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice)

Symptoms of HCV are the same for both acute and chronic HCV, but most people with chronic infection do not experience symptoms until much later, often decades, after exposure.

Chronic HCV may lead to:

• Mild to severe chronic liver disease
• Cirrhosis (a disease that scars the liver)
• Liver cancer

These symptoms can be associated with other conditions. Regardless of your results, please discuss your symptoms with your doctor.

You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a test on questhealth.com. This test requires specimen collection at a Quest Diagnostics location or through Quest Mobile™, a convenient option for in-home sample collection*. Collection not available in AK, AZ, or HI.

*Check your zip code here for service availability, not available in all locations.

After you provide your specimen, it generally takes a few business days to process and release your test results. However, processing times may vary. Your test results will be available in a clear and easy-to-read report. If you have or create a MyQuest® account, you can review your new results there with your other Quest results.

If your results indicate possible infection, you will receive an alert call from an independent healthcare coordinator. Included with your purchase, you have the ability to review your results and discuss any questions or concerns with an independent healthcare provider.