Hepatitis C Tesing

HEPATITIS C VIRUS TESTING - HCV Test, Hepatitis C Virus Antibody Test

Hepatitis C is a virus that can infect and damage the liver. In most cases, it is contracted through exposure to blood (usually from sharing contaminated needles while injecting drugs or, before 1992, through a blood transfusion) or through sexual relations, and it can be passed from mother to baby. Hepatitis C antibody is produced in response to exposure to the hepatitis C virus (HCV). The most common test for Hepatitis C looks for these antibodies in your blood.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the following persons have a Hepatitis C test

1. IV drug users, including persons who have just done it once
2. People with undiagnosed liver problems
3. Healthcare workers and public safety workers
4. Recipients of blood and/or solid organs
5. People having unprotected sex
6. Recipients of clotting factors

Eighty percent of people with Hepatitis C have no signs or symptoms. There is no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C. The CDC estimates 3.9 million Americans have been infected with HCV, of whom 2.7 million are chronically infected. If you fall into one of these high-risk categories, early detection by a simple blood test could help save your life.

To purchase a screening test for Hepatitis C, simply order online at LabSafe at http://www.labsafe.com/lab-tests/test/426/ or visit our website at http://www.labsafe.com/

For more information, or to speak with a member of our professional Medical Staff, call LabSafe toll free at 1-888-333-LABS.