As a simple blood test, hepatitis C testing is used to determine if a person has become infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV).1 Like its A and B counterparts, hepatitis C causes liver inflammation that can range in severity and duration. Hepatitis C is most commonly transmitted through practices involving the transfer of infected blood (used drug needles, unsterilized tattoo equipment, shared toothbrushes or razors, etc.).1
If you do contract hepatitis C, you’ll want to consult with a physician right away to be put on the proper treatment regimen. If caught early enough, hepatitis C is completely curable. But if ignored, it can progress into prolonged or even life-threatening health complications.1 That’s why Priority STD Testing offers speedy testing services that promise results within 24 to 72 hours after collection.
ORDER
Purchase your lab order privately online or over the phone. The process is simple, quick, and secure. Our care counselors are available to answer any questions you may have or help schedule testing.
VISIT
Get tested same day at any of our 4,000 private locations, no appointment is needed after ordering. Our collection facilities are discreet, no other patients will know the reason for your visit.
RESULTS
Our test results are lightning fast and typically process in just 24-72 hours. You can access your results online through a secure patient login, or by calling one of our care counselors. Treatment options are available as well.
Quick hepatitis C testing with results you can count on.
How Hepatitis C Testing Works
Hepatitis C testing is conducted by way of a simple blood test designed to identify HCV antibodies in the blood. With Priority STD Testing, simply order your test online and stop by a local testing facility at your convenience.
Testing is quick and painless and you’ll have comprehensive results in as little as 24 to 72 hours. Remember, if you’ve recently been exposed or potentially exposed to hepatitis C, it may take up to 10 weeks for antibodies to develop. So make sure to reach out to our team of care counselors to ensure you get tested at the best time for the most accurate results.
Why Order Hepatitis C Testing
This virus rarely displays visible HCV symptoms (especially in the early stages) so self-diagnosis is not a viable solution. However, even if no symptoms are present, the virus can still be harmful and cause potentially irreversible damage. If you believe you’ve been exposed, hepatitis C testing is the only way to know for sure if you’ve been infected and receive treatment if needed.
When to Get Tested
Hepatitis C has an incubation period that can last between two weeks up to three months,2 so you’ll want to take that into consideration before ordering your test. Testing too quickly can yield a false negative. That being said, if you do begin to experience symptoms or are considered an at-risk demographic (those who have unprotected or risky sex, share needles, had a blood transfusion prior to 1992, etc.), you’ll want to get tested as soon as you can.
Hepatitis C Treatment
While there’s no vaccine for hepatitis C (unlike hepatitis A and B), it is 100 percent curable if caught and treated early enough. In fact, acute hepatitis C can even go away on its own with no treatment whatsoever.2 Chronic HCV treatment generally comes in the form of a prescription antiviral medication which can last several weeks. It is important to continue your treatment regimen for its full duration as stopping early can be counterproductive to your return to health and may increase the risk of spreading the virus to others.
While you can spend your afternoon in an overcrowded waiting room, getting tested for hepatitis C or any STD doesn’t have to be stressful. Our CLIA-certified testing centers are not only local but are run by healthcare professionals that value your privacy and time.
Once your order is placed, stop by one of our local testing facilities when it’s convenient for you (no appointments necessary). Most patients are in, out, and can get back to their day in under 30 minutes. From there, you can expect comprehensive and conclusive results made available through our online portal. And if you have questions at any point regarding our testing practices or your results, our care counselors are always available to help!
Have Questions?
Do I need to fast before getting tested?
No fasting is required for any type of test we offer. If you are testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomoniasis, please ensure that you have not urinated for at least one hour prior to visiting the testing center.
Do you accept insurance?
To use your health insurance, we are able to provide all of the necessary information to file a self-claim. We utilize Quest Diagnostics which is the largest lab network in the nation, therefore most healthcare providers will offer some form of reimbursement. We will never directly bill your insurance to ensure your results are completely private and kept off of your permanent health record.
How do I get my test results?
Your test results are accessible through a secure login unique to your order, updated 24 hours a day including partial results. Once your final results are available, you'll be notified by email discreetly. Test results are expedited as a rush order and typically process just 24-72 hours after visiting the collection facility. If you have questions about your results or require a treatment consult, our care counselors are just a phone call away. Nothing will ever be sent to your home or healthcare provider to respect your privacy.
Do I need an appointment after ordering?
No appointments are required at the collection facility after you have ordered your test. Your lab order is valid for 90 days and can be used immediately once your order has been placed. Typically your entire visit will take no more than 15-30 minutes.
Can I switch testing sites?
Even after you have selected a testing site, you can switch locations any time you wish. Your lab order can be used at all Quest Diagnostics collection sites within the same state without having to change your lab order. If you wish to test in a different state, simply call to speak with a care counselor who can update your requisition. There are no fees associated with switching testing sites either.
How accurate are my test results?
All of the tests we offer are FDA approved and performed in CLIA certified labs to ensure the highest level of accuracy. Some STDs require that you wait a period of time after sexual contact before getting tested. Each disease has a different latency period, so understanding when to test is important. If you have questions, our care counselors are happy to walk you through the process, start to finish.
Sources
- Hepatitis C – Faqs, Statistics, Data, & Guidelines.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, July 28, 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hcv/index.htm.
- “Hepatitis C.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, August 31, 2021. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hepatitis-c/symptoms-causes/syc-20354278