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HEPATITIS C FAQ's
Q: What are the ways to prevent or reduce exposure to Hepatitis C infection?
A: The best way to reduce risk is always using a latex condom correctly for all sexual intercourse. Quitting is the best prevention if you are using injectable drugs. But if that isn't an option, then people should always use a sterile needle to inject drugs and never use somebody else's equipment.Don't share toothbrushes, razors or other household objects that could get blood on them. Use bleach to clean up spilled blood. Don't share drug paraphenalia.
Q: What is the Hepatitis C Test?
A: The 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.
Q: Is this test accurate?
A: Yes. In a multicenter clinical study this test service, using blood from a finger stick obtained by non-medically trained participants, was proven to be greater than 99% accurate compared to a blood sample drawn by a medical professional and tested using current test methods. In this clinical trial approximately 4% of study participants were unable to collect enough sample to begin testing, and an additional 3% were unable to collect enough sample to receive a conclusive result. To assure your sample is adequate for testing, please follow all the instructions.
Your sample will be tested with the same tests used by your doctor's office. Your sample is tested with an Enzyme-Linked Immunoassay (ELISA). In some cases, a more specific test called Recombinant Immunoblot Assay (RIBA) may also be used to determine your final result.
It can take up to six months for your blood to develop antibodies to the hepatitis C virus. Hepatitis C CheckSM Test Service may not detect more recent infections. We recommend you take the test six months or more AFTER you have been exposed to hepatitis C virus.
Q: What does my test result mean?
A: There are 4 possible test results: "negative", "positive", "indeterminate", or "result not available."
1. A "negative" test result means antibodies to the hepatitis C virus were not found in your test sample and it is extremely unlikely that you have been infected with the hepatitis C virus. If you receive this test result, it is important to remember this service may yield a negative result if you were infected during the six months before this testing, because antibodies to the hepatitis C virus do not develop immediately after infection occurs. You should be evaluated by a physician of your choice if you become ill or if you remain concerned that you could be infected with the hepatitis C virus.
2. A "positive" test result means antibodies to the hepatitis C virus were found in your test sample and that you should consider yourself infected with the hepatitis C virus. If you receive this test result, we recommend you consult a physician of your choice for medical advice and follow-up. For your convenience, we can provide referrals to physicians in your area who can treat hepatitis C.
3. An "indeterminate" result means that initial testing of your blood detected antibodies but further testing did not conclusively show that these were antibodies to the hepatitis C virus. This could mean that your body was developing antibodies to the hepatitis C virus at the time the sample was obtained, and you could be infected. Sometimes, other conditions can make the test "indeterminate". If you receive this test result, we recommend you consult a physician of your choice and/or be re-tested.
4. A "result not available" result means that the laboratory was unable to provide a result from your sample. This happens when your test card doesn't have enough blood on it or is wet, soiled, clotted, contaminated, or shipped incorrectly.
When you call in for your test results and talk with a healthcare counselor, you will be advised of your options for referral or re-testing.
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