The Hepatitis C virus causes inflammation of the liver, which might lead to liver cirrhosis or liver scarring. Hep C virus spreads through contaminated blood, unprotected sex, and various other means. These viruses mainly cause a silent infection, meaning there are no symptoms of the infection during the initial stages. Therefore, it is essential to get tested for HCV, also known as the Hepatitis C test, at least once in a lifetime. Additionally, there is currently no vaccine to prevent Hepatitis C infection, so an early diagnosis is crucial for planning the right treatment.

What is a Hepatitis C test?

Hepatitis C is the most common form of viral hepatitis, classified into acute and chronic. A doctor orders a Hepatitis C to check for screening, diagnosis, and monitoring of the treatment plan. 

Acute hepatitis C occurs within the first six months after a person is exposed to the virus. Initially, there are no symptoms, making it difficult for most people to detect the infection. In about one-quarter of patients, the immune system successfully fights off the virus, resulting in a return to normal health.

On the other hand, chronic hepatitis C occurs when the immune system is unable to eliminate the virus. Therefore, it is crucial to treat the virus in its early stages, as immediate care and treatment can prevent certain complications such as liver disease, liver cancer, and liver failure.

The purpose of the Hepatitis C test, or HCV antibody test, is to determine if a patient has ever been infected with the Hepatitis C virus. These blood tests search for antibodies to hepatitis C in the blood. Antibodies are chemicals released into the bloodstream when someone is infected with the Hep C virus. This is because once a person is infected with the Hep C virus, they will always have the antibodies in their bloodstream, regardless of whether they have been cured.

When should I get this Hepatitis C test?

There are many ways a person can become infected with the Hepatitis C virus. However, the most common way of acquiring the infection is by sharing needles. Some other ways the virus can be transmitted include through sexual contact or coming into contact with the blood of a person who is Hep C positive, and sometimes during childbirth.

It is advisable to undergo screening for the Hepatitis C virus once a person reaches the age of 18 or older. This is because the virus does not initially exhibit any symptoms and continues to grow, ultimately causing damage to the liver. Therefore, if a person has any risk factors, it is recommended to undergo periodic HCV blood tests. Some of the risk factors are as follows:

• Having an HIV infection
• Receiving kidney dialysis
• Engaging in unprotected sex
• Working or residing in a prison
• Using drugs (past or current)
• Being born to a mother with Hep C
• Receiving blood transfusions or organ transplants

Although the hepatitis virus typically does not cause any symptoms, a person should get tested once they experience any of the following signs:

• Fever
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue and tiredness
• Yellowing of the eyes and skin
• Dark or yellow-colored urine

Procedure for Hepatitis C test 

During the HCV blood test, a lab technician places a rubber band around the upper arm, and the patient is asked to make a fist, ensuring better blood flow in the vein. The skin on the arm is then cleaned with rubbing alcohol to prevent infection. Next, a needle is inserted into the cleaned area, from which the technician draws blood, collecting the sample in a tube. This tube is subsequently used to test for the presence of the Hep C virus in the blood.

Types of Hepatitis Virus C (HCV) Test 

Various hepatitis C blood test types are employed to detect different analytes, ensuring appropriate treatment for this potentially life-threatening virus. The following tests are necessary for detecting the Hep C virus:

• Hepatitis C Antibody Test: This blood test determines whether a person is infected with the Hepatitis C virus by detecting the presence of antibodies.
• Hepatitis C RNA Test: After the antibody test, RNA tests are conducted to confirm the presence of the Hep C virus. Qualitative tests can detect the presence of HCV RNA, while quantitative tests measure the quantity of HCV RNA in the bloodstream.
• Genotype Test: There are six strains of hepatitis C, known as genotypes. This test is performed to identify the specific genotype, which is essential for guiding treatment decisions.

Purpose of HCV Test

Hepatitis C testing serves the purpose of identifying HCV infection and guiding treatment decisions. HCV is present in blood and other bodily fluids during an infection.

Hepatitis C is the most prevalent type of viral hepatitis in the United States, and infections are categorized as acute or chronic. Healthcare providers may recommend hepatitis C testing for screening, diagnosis, and the management of treatment.

• Acute hepatitis C refers to the initial six months following exposure to the virus. In the early stages, symptoms may be mild or absent, leading many individuals to be unaware of the infection. Approximately 25% of individuals can naturally clear the virus from their bodies as the immune system combats the infection.
• Chronic hepatitis C develops if the body is unable to eliminate the virus. The transition from acute to chronic hepatitis C is common, occurring in 75% to 85% of cases. Timely diagnosis of chronic hepatitis C is crucial as early treatment can prevent complications associated with this condition, including liver disease, liver failure, and liver cancer.

Uses of the HCV Test 

The HCV (Hepatitis C virus) test is utilized for various purposes related to the detection and management of hepatitis C infections. Here are the key uses of the HCV test:

• Screening for Hepatitis C: The HCV test is often employed as a screening tool to identify individuals who may have been exposed to the hepatitis C virus. This is especially important for individuals at higher risk, such as those who have a history of intravenous drug use, received blood transfusions, or have engaged in risky sexual behaviors.
• Diagnosing Hepatitis C Infection: When a person exhibits symptoms of hepatitis C or is identified as having risk factors, the HCV test is conducted to confirm the presence of the virus. Symptoms may include fatigue, jaundice, abdominal pain, and abnormal liver enzyme levels.
• Monitoring Disease Progression: For individuals diagnosed with chronic hepatitis C, the HCV test is used to monitor the progression of the infection. This involves assessing the viral load and liver function through various blood tests over time.
• Assessing Treatment Effectiveness: During and after antiviral treatment, the HCV test is used to assess the effectiveness of the therapy. A decrease in viral load indicates a positive response to treatment.
• Liver Disease Risk Assessment: The HCV test results, along with other clinical assessments, help estimate the risk of developing liver-related complications, such as cirrhosis or liver cancer, in individuals with chronic hepatitis C.

How do you prepare for the Hepatitis C test?

There are no special preparations required for the hepatitis C test. The doctor usually does not ask the patient to fast before the test. Hence, they can directly go to the clinic or the laboratory and get themselves tested.

Hepatitis C Test Results

Hepatitis C test results take somewhere around a few days to a few weeks. However, some clinics also offer rapid hepatitis C blood tests where the results are given within 30-40 minutes. Once the test results are out, the healthcare provider will tell the patient what the results are - it’s either reactive or non-reactive.

• Reactive test: A reactive test, also known as a hep C positive antibody test, means the patient has been infected with the Hep C virus at some point. But, a reactive antibody test does not mean they currently have the Hep C virus. Hence, a follow-up test would be required.
• Non-reactive test: A non-reactive or negative antibody test means the person is not infected with the Hep C virus. However, if someone thinks they have been exposed to the virus in the last three to six months, it is advisable to undergo a Hep C virus test. 

If the test results are positive, the doctor might advise undergoing further testing to confirm the presence of Hepatitis C, known as the Nucleic Acid Test (NAT) or HCV RNA test. If the NAT for HCV RNA is:

• Positive: The person is infected with the Hepatitis C virus.
• Negative: The person was infected with the Hepatitis C virus at some point, but they have been cured and no longer have the virus in their body.

If a person has a positive antibody test and a positive NAT HCV RNA test, they should consult with a doctor, who will then provide guidance on the treatment plan, associated costs, and potential outcomes. Treatment for Hepatitis C typically takes 8-12 months.

Conclusion

Once a person starts feeling fever, fatigue, and vomiting that do not go away, it is advised to see a doctor as soon as possible. At CARE Hospitals, we have the best doctors with years of experience in treating patients with the Hepatitis C virus. They begin by consulting and ordering a Hepatitis C test to evaluate the degree of the virus and chart out a treatment plan. So, it is advisable not to delay getting treated in case of any symptoms.

FAQs

Q1. How can I get a Hepatitis C test?

Ans. It is usually recommended to get a Hepatitis C test once in a lifetime. To get a hepatitis C test, the person can visit a doctor, and they will recommend which test to be done.

Q2. What are the two tests for Hep C?

Ans. The two tests for Hep C are the Hep C antibody test and the HCV RNA test.

Q3. Is Hep C tested in urine?

Ans. Yes, doctors might even ask for urine tests, as Hepatitis C virus can be detected in body fluids such as urine.