What do I need to know about hepatitis C testing?
We offer the Hepatitis C Antibody (Anti-HCV) blood test. It's the most commonly used hepatitis C screening in the United States, and it looks for antibodies that the body produces to fight a hepatitis C infection.
If you get tested before the test can detect antibodies, you may get a "false negative" result. It's possible to detect antibodies as early as 6 weeks after being exposed to the virus...but, for the most accurate test results, doctors typically recommend waiting at least 10 weeks to get tested.
Note: According to the Viral Hepatitis Action Coalition, 75% of people with hepatitis C were born between 1945-1965. If you were born during this 20-year span and you haven't been tested for the virus, it's highly recommended that you do so.
Will I need to have a physical exam for this test?
No. When you go to the LabCorp or Quest Diagnostics test center near you, you'll just need to provide a quick blood sample. No undressing or exams necessary.
How fast can I get my results?
Hepatitis C tests can have a very fast turnaround. If you're getting tested for more than one STD, we will release all results at the same time...typically in 2 to 3 business days.
What do I need to know about the test results?
Hepatitis C tests are either positive or negative. Positive means that there is evidence of the virus and negative means that, at the time the test was taken, there was no presence of infection.
Note: As with HIV and hepatitis B, if you test positive for hepatitis C, you should not donate blood.