Hepatitis C Blood Test

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). It spreads through contact with infected blood, often through shared needles, unclean medical equipment, or, in rare cases, unprotected sex. The infection can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). Acute hepatitis C occurs within the first six months after exposure and may cause mild symptoms like fatigue, nausea, or jaundice, though many people have no symptoms at all. In some cases, the body clears the virus on its own. However, in about 50–85% of cases, the infection becomes chronic, meaning the virus remains in the body. Over time, untreated chronic hepatitis C can lead to serious liver damage, such as cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer. Most cases of hepatitis C can be cured with medication. It is important that hepatitis C is detected and treated promptly to avoid serious liver damage.

​​What is a hepatitis C test?

This test checks for the presence of hepatitis C antibodies in your blood. The test consists of a fingerprick blood test that you can easily perform from home. You will receive detailed instructions with your test on how to collect the sample. After collection, send your sample to our certified laboratory using the prepaid shipping label, where it will be analyzed. You will receive the results within a few days of the sample reaching the lab.

What is the window period for hepatitis C?

Every STI has a window period. This is the time between when an individual is infected and the moment that the STI is detectable with a test. Hepatitis C antibodies are usually detectable by a test approximately 8-11 weeks after exposure. However, in some cases, the infection only detectable after 6 months. If you have tested before 6 months, consider repeating this test in the future.

When should I consider taking a hepatitis C test?

If you are concerned that you may have been exposed to hepatitis C or belong to a group that is at a higher risk of exposure, getting tested is recommended.

Hepatitis C often does not cause noticeable symptoms, meaning you could be infected even if you feel completely healthy.

Certain groups have a higher risk of hepatitis C infection, including:

• Current and former drug users, especially those who have injected drugs
• People who have lived in or undergone medical treatment in regions where hepatitis C is common, such as Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia
• Babies and children born to mothers with hepatitis C
• Healthcare workers or others who have been accidentally exposed to infected blood
• Those who have had tattoos or piercings in settings where equipment may not have been properly sterilized
• Sexual partners, family members, and close contacts of individuals with hepatitis C

What are the symptoms of a hepatitis C infection?

Most people who are recently infected with hepatitis C do not have symptoms. Some people have yellowing of the skin (jaundice). A chronic hepatitis C infection often causes no symptoms, but fatigue, depression and other problems may occur. People who have a long-term (chronic) infection often have no symptoms until their liver becomes scarred (cirrhosis). 

The following symptoms may occur with HCV infection: 

• Jaundice
• Pain in the right upper abdomen 
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Abdominal swelling due to fluid (ascites) 
• Clay-colored or pale stools 
• Dark urine 
• Itching
• Loss of appetite 
• Nausea and vomiting

What can you do to prevent hepatitis C?

There is no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C. The best way to prevent hepatitis C is by avoiding behaviors that can spread the virus. Behaviors that can spread involve contact with other people’s blood, such as:

• Using drugs: Injecting, smoking, or snorting drugs carry a risk of hepatitis C if drug-use equipment is shared. To lower your risk, never share needles, pipes, or straws with others. 
• Sex: Practice safe sex by using a condom, dental dam, or other barrier.
• Tattoos and piercings: Only get tattoos and piercings in professional, certified studios that follow hygiene guidelines.
• Sharing personal items: Do not use anyone else’s personal items that could come into contact with their blood, such as nail clippers, razors, toothbrushes, or toothpicks.
• Injections: Only get injections from licensed professionals that use a clean needle every time.

Is hepatitis C treatable?

Some people who get hepatitis C clear the virus on their own with no treatment. However, in most people, the virus remains in the body and develops into a long-term (chronic) infection. Most chronic hepatitis C infections can be cured with medication. However, it is important to note that being treated for hepatitis C does not make you immune to future infections, and care must be taken to avoid being reinfected in the future.