Know your HCV status!
If you are positive for HCV infection, knowing your status may set you on the path for getting rid of the virus. It will also help you avoid behaviors that may put others at risk.
Most people are tested when:
- They have identified themselves with a risk group;
- Routine blood testing has shown elevated liver enzymes. If your enzymes are elevated, your doctor may ask your history to verify that you are at risk for hepatitis C. Some doctors will test for HCV whether you have a history of at-risk behavior or not.
If you have identified yourself with a risk group, you may want to seek testing on your own. Any doctor can test you for HCV. Testing may also be available at your local health department or clinic. Home testing kits are also available at nearly all pharmacies. These same kits may also be ordered from online stores and delivered to your home. All of these tests are for the detection of anti-HCV antibodies.
False positives:
Hepatitis C antibody tests are usually correct.* If a person tests antibody positive the next step is the PCR or viral load test. If a viral load is detected, the person has hepatitis C. Testing for the virus may stop there. If the viral load is not detected, the person may have a false positive or he/she may have fought the virus off without treatment. A RIBA test will confirm whether the positive antibody is a false positive or the person’s immune system fought off the virus.
* A false negative may occur in people with a weakened immune system.
Are You at Risk?
Get Tested!