Hepatitis C Home TestCurrent as of: November 18, 2017 |
|
Hepatitis C Home TestTopic OverviewYou may prefer to find out on your own whether you have been infected with the hepatitis C virus. You can buy a home test called a Home Access Hepatitis C Check kit, which you can find in most drugstores. The kit contains a sharp instrument (lancet) that you use to draw a small amount of blood from your fingertip. You place the sample on a piece of collection paper and mail it in a prepaid envelope to a lab for testing. After 10 days, you can call a toll-free number and receive your results using your confidential identification number. If the test shows you have hepatitis C, it is important to make an appointment with your doctor to discuss the results. The home test only looks for hepatitis C antibodies , which indicate that you have been exposed to the virus in the past. The test does not tell you if you currently have an infection. Your doctor can order another test that looks for hepatitis C virus RNA . This test can tell if you have an active infection now. Related InformationCredits
ByHealthwise Staff Current as ofNovember 18, 2017
Current as of: November 18, 2017 |
Search the
Healthwise Knowledgebase Topic ContentsThis information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org. © 1995-2018 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. |