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HEPATITIS C FAQ's
Q: What exactly does the Hepatitis C Test do?
A: Any Hepatitis C Test checks your blood specimen for Hepatitis C antibodies. The body creates antibodies to Hepatitis C when an individual becomes infected by the virus. By testing blood for these antibodies, a laboratory tell if Hepatitis C is present.
Q: How soon do these antibodies show up?
A: In most infected people, the antibodies will show up in the blood within six weeks to 3 months. But in some people, it might take up to six months. This is important because the test cannot detect recent infections. For example, if you became infected in January, you may not test positive until July.
Q: So you can test negative and still be infected?
A: Yes, because it takes some time for your body to produce Hepatitis C antibodies, there is a period of time when recent infections may not be detected.
Q: So what does a negative result mean?
A: It means that Hepatitis C antibodies were not found on the date the blood sample was taken by a laboratory in a particular blood sample.
Q: What does a positive result mean?
A: It means that Hepatitis C antibodies were found by the laboratory in a particular blood sample and the individual providing that sample is infected. That individual is capable of passing the virus to someone else.
Q: What does an indeterminate result mean?
A: It means a laboratory could not confirm the presence of Hepatitis C antibodies in a particular blood sample. It could mean that an individual may be in the process of converting from being negative to being positive. It could also be due to other medical factors. In either case, it is recommended that the individual be re-tested.
Q: What does an insufficient blood result mean?
A: An insufficient blood result refers specifically to the Home Access® Hepatitis C Check Test system. It means that the Hepatitis C Test could not be performed on the blood sample that was sent to the laboratory. This happens most often because there was not enough blood to test, there were white spots in the circle, or the blood did not soak through all the way to the back. If you use the Home Access® Hepatitis C Check Test system, make sure you follow all printed instructions regarding the collection of a blood sample.
Q: How accurate is the Hepatitis C at-home test?
A: Home Access® Hepatitis C Check Tests are designed to provide you with a scientific test result that you can trust. Home Access' Hepatitis C Check Tests use the same tests run by doctors and hospitals and is clinically proven to be greater than 99% accurate.
Q. What does FDA approved mean?
A: Our entire service has been scientifically reviewed for safety and effectiveness by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). FDA granted Home Access Health nationwide clearance to market its service on April 28, 1999. The Home Access at-home telemedicine Hepatitis C counseling and testing service is the ONLY such service available in the United States approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Q: Why get tested for Hepatitis C?
A: Generally speaking, there are a number of reasons that prompt a person to take a Hepatitis C Test. Whether it is: ... --getting tested for Hepatitis C can help foster peace of mind, regardless of your test result. And, if you are concerned about testing positive for Hepatits C, it is important to recognize that today more than ever before, there is new medical treatment that is helping thousands of people infected with Hepatitis C lead healthier, active lives.
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