Over The Counter Hepatitis Test

What Your Test Results Mean

IF YOUR TEST IS

• The test detected the virus and you have an infection.
• Stay home for at least 5 days and isolate from others in your home.
• Wear a well-fitted mask when around others. If available, a N95 or KN95 respirator is recommended.
• Watch for symptoms. If you have any emergency warning signs, seek emergency care immediately.
• Tell your healthcare provider. Contact them as soon as possible if:
• Your symptoms get worse.
• You are more likely to get very sick because you are an older adult or have an underlying medical condition. Possible treatment may be available for you.
• You have questions about your isolation.

IF YOUR TEST IS

How Often Should I Get Tested

The CDC recommends that adults and adolescents ages 13 to 64 get tested for HIV at least once a year as part of their routine health checkups.

Sexually active people assigned female at birth and younger than 25 should be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia every year.

Pregnant people should be tested for syphilis, hepatitis B, and HIV.

Sexually active people assigned male at birth who have sex with other males should be tested for syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea annually.

But if symptoms arise, you shouldnt wait. The quicker youre tested, the sooner you can begin treatment.

Best Budget: Letsgetchecked Hepatitis B& c Test

LetsGetChecked Hepatitis B& C Test

• Reviews mention late tests

• Reports of difficulties with account activation

LetsGetChecked offers a 30% discount with a three-month subscription, making this test a steal. The finger prick test not only tests for hepatitis C, but hepatitis B as well, also a blood-borne virus that also targets the liver.

First, activate your test and collect your sample in the morning. You can use the prepaid label to ship your sample out on the same day.

Once the sample reaches the laboratory, your results will be available via a secured online account: It typically takes two to five business days. Once you get your results, if you have questions or concerns, a team of nurses is available 24/7 to assist you. LetsGetChecked will call to explain the results and provide next steps, such as treatment options.

Usually, with a one-time purchase, the test costs about $79. You can save more if you subscribe, and you’ll get tests sent to you every few months.

Also Check: How To Cure Hepatitis C

Pregnancy And Hepatitis C

Should pregnant women be tested for HCV antibodies?

Yes. All pregnant women should be screened for anti-HCV during each pregnancy, except in settings where the prevalence of HCV infection is < 0.1% . Pregnant women with known risk factors should be tested during each pregnancy, regardless of setting prevalence. Any pregnant women testing positive for anti-HCV should receive a PCR test for HCV RNA to determine current infection status.

Can a mother with hepatitis C infect her infant during birth?

The overall risk of an infected mother transmitting HCV to her infant is approximately 4%8% per pregnancy . Transmission occurs during pregnancy or childbirth, and no prophylaxis is available to protect the newborn from infection. The risk is significantly higher if the mother has a high HCV viral load, or is coinfected with HIV with which the rate of transmission ranges from 8%15% . Most infants infected with HCV at birth have no symptoms.

Should a woman with hepatitis C be advised against breastfeeding?

When should children born to HCV-infected mothers be tested to see if they were infected at birth?

How To Use An At

Read the complete manufacturers instructions for use before using the test.

• To use an at-home test, you will collect a nasal specimen and then test that specimen.
• If you do not follow the manufacturers instructions, your test result may be incorrect.
• Wash your hands before and after you collect a nasal specimen for your test.

Need More Information? Find videos of manufacturer instructions for your specific self-test.

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How Many Tests Are Covered

Each eligible Medicare patient can get up to 8 tests per calendar month until the PHE ends. Medicare wont pay for more than 8 OTC tests in a month. If a patient gets more than 8 tests in a calendar month, they may pay out-of-pocket for the extra tests unless they have additional health coverage.

Being Treated Successfully For Hepatitis C

I consider myself lucky. While I would be lying to say that the diagnosis didnt cause me stress, I was also aware of how far hepatitis C treatment has come since the first of the new direct-acting antivirals were introduced.

Today, an ever-widening array of DAAs are delivering cure rates in excess of 90 percent and in as little as eight weeks, according to the CDC.

While these successes have placed hepatitis C more firmly in the public consciousness, the cost of medications and access to specialists are barriers for many people. For example, a 2017 report by the Center for Health Law and Policy Innovation of Harvard Law School and the National Viral Hepatitis Roundtable noted that many public and private payers choose to limit access to DAAs, in part because of the cost.

Though initially I had been denied treatment following the review of my first round of tests, I was finally approved following a subsequent ultrasound and officially started on a medication to treat hepatitis C in September 2017. I completed therapy 12 weeks later, and having experienced nothing more than a mild, short-lasting rash no longer have a detectable amount of virus in my blood. The results were maintained for 24 weeks, referred to as a sustained viral response , and Im now considered cured.

Read Also: What Are Signs Of Hepatitis B And C

How Do I Know If I Should Get Tested

If youre sexually active or engaging in activities that have the potential to increase your risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease, like sharing needles, you should get tested.

In fact, according to the , getting tested for STDs is one of the most important things you can do to protect your health.

Most Accurate: Idna Cbox Plus

iDNA cBox Plus

• Free retest on positive results

• No service available to discuss results

iDNAs cBox Plus is a test you can rely on. With more than 99.9% accuracy, you will never have to second-guess your results, and you’ll be able to move to the next step of care with confidence.

The testing process is safe, simple, and private. You can either take a blood and urine sample or a vaginal swab. Then, you mail your samples to iDNAs labs. Results are available in a few days and are provided via a private and secure online portal.

Although the kit has a hefty price tag, you will not only be getting tested for hepatitis C, but nine other sexually transmitted diseases and infections including chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, HIV I and II, syphilis, herpes II, HPV, mycoplasma, and ureaplasma.

To test for hepatitis C and nine other STDs, the kit runs about $298.

Recommended Reading: What Are The Ways You Can Get Hepatitis C

How Long After Hepatitis B Exposure Should You Take A Test

People who think they may have come into contact with HBV and who are not vaccinated should contact a doctor within to get post-exposure prophylaxis treatment.

PEP treatment for hepatitis B can consist of the hepatitis B vaccine, an injection of hepatitis B immune globulin, which contains antibodies against HBV, or both.

The HBF states that it can take up to 9 weeks for HBV to show up in the bloodstream. The organization recommends that individuals who have never received PEP treatment get tested 9 weeks after exposure.

If the result is negative, a doctor may recommend the completion of the hepatitis B vaccine series.

Do I Need To Be Tested For Hepatitis C

People with hepatitis C may not show symptoms until liver problems show up, underscoring the importance of getting tested. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends all adults aged 18 years and older to get tested at least once in their lifetime. For those who have HIV, injected drugs or shared needles and syringes, or received a transfusion or organ transplant, testing is recommended regardless of age.

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How Can You Test For Stds At Home

Our roundup of six home STD tests is a good starting point if you want to get tested without visiting a doctor.

Depending on the test, you may need to visit a lab in person for collection. Every other part of the process, including lab order, payment, and results, is done online.

If you receive a positive test result, the testing kit company may offer a consultation with one of their physicians about the next steps, such as further testing or treatment.

At this point, its also a good idea to contact your primary care doctor to share your results.

Counseling After Hcv Testing*

For the patient with a negative test result:

• Discuss the meaning of the test result
• Discuss possibility of HCV exposure during the past three months and the need for repeat testing if risk factors are significant
• Emphasize that a negative test result does not imply immunity to future infection
• Reinforce that the patient should not:
• razors, toothbrushes or other personal items that could have blood or secretions on them and

For the patient with a positive HCV antibody test result, discuss:

• Meaning of the test result
• Possible risk factors that were present in the history and
• Follow-up testing with a qualitative HCV RNA.

For the patient with a positive HCV antibody test result and a negative qualitative HCV RNA, discuss:

• Need for repeat qualitative HCV RNA in several months, if there are significant risk factors present, as the viral load can fluctuate
• That a positive antibody and two negative qualitative HCV RNA tests at least 6 months apart means that the patient cannot transmit hepatitis C
• That a positive antibody test does not confer immunity from future hepatitis C infections and that risk reduction is still important and
• The possibility of acute infection that may have resolved spontaneously.

For the patient with a positive qualitative HCV RNA:

Recommended Reading: Information About Hepatitis B Vaccine

Mylab Box At Home Hepatitis B Test

This hepatitis B test kit is registered by the Food and Drug Administration . It involves a finger prick collection and comes with free 2-day shipping. myLAB Box claims that a person can perform this test in 5 minutes.

Once people collect their sample and mail it to myLAB Box lab, they should receive their results within 25 days.

Free consultations are available for those who receive a positive result.

Pros and cons

Some advantages of this test include fast lab results and free consultations if the result is positive.

However, the company does not accept health insurance. Also, there is potential for user error or inaccurate results.

The company works with CLIA-certified labs, and people should receive their test results within 12 days.

Pros and cons

• helpful suggestions for complimentary tests
• consultations to discuss results
• over 4,500 testing centers in the United States

There are, however, limited lab locations in rural areas, and the company charges a 20% fee for order cancellations.

What Does A Reactive Hcv Antibody Test Result Mean

A reactive or positive antibody test means you have been infected with the hepatitis C virus at some point in time.

Once people have been infected, they will always have antibodies in their blood. This is true if they have cleared the virus, have been cured, or still have the virus in their blood.

A reactive antibody test does not necessarily mean that you currently have hepatitis C and a follow-up test is needed.

Read Also: Is Hepatitis Contagious Through Saliva

Hepatitis Blood Test Panel Acute

A Hepatitis Blood Test Panel includes: Hepatitis A antibody, IgM, hepatitis B core antibody, IgM, hepatitis B surface antigen, and hepatitis C antibody with reflex.

Also Known As: Acute Hepatitis Profile

Methodology:

No fasting required. Stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours prior to the collection.

Test Results:

2-3 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.

Also Known As: Acute Hepatitis Profile

Methodology:

No fasting required. Stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours prior to the collection.

Test Results:

2-3 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.

Are Hepatitis B Tests Accurate

According to the FDA , home tests can help detect health conditions when people do not have symptoms. However, at-home testing should not replace a doctors visit.

Individuals should also purchase tests from companies that collaborate with CLIA-certified labs. This ensures that manufacturers regulate laboratory testing.

The HBF suggests that people get a printed copy of their blood test results so they can discuss them with a doctor and learn more about the condition.

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Hepatitis B Core Antibody Test

This test checks whether a person currently has HBV or had it in the past. A positive result means that they have a current or past infection. It can also mean that they are recovering from acute hepatitis B.

Those who receive a positive result should contact a doctor to check the status of their hepatitis B infection.

This product requires finger prick blood collection, and it tests for hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

People can pay a one-time purchase fee or sign up for a subscription plan for regular testing.

Those who purchase this product receive the tools they need for testing. LetsGetChecked recommends that individuals use this test before 10 a.m. It also warns people against having sex if they think they have hepatitis B or C.

Once a person collects their samples, they can mail them to the companys laboratory on the same day.

LetsGetChecked states that its laboratories have a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments certification. This means that it has obtained federal certifications. The company is also part of the College of American Pathologists program.

People should receive their results within 25 days. Additionally, they can contact a LetsGetChecked nurse at any time to discuss their results.

Pros and cons

LetsGetChecked tests come with pros and cons.

Some pros include:

When To Consider Taking An At

• If you have COVID-19 symptoms, test yourself immediately.
• If you were exposed to someone with COVID-19, test yourself at least 5 days after your exposure. If you test negative for COVID-19, consider testing again 1 to 2 days after your first test.
• If you are going to an indoor event or a gathering, test yourself immediately before or as close to the time of the event as possible. This is especially important before gathering withindividuals at risk of severe disease, older adults, those who are immunocompromised, or people who are not up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines, including children who cannot get vaccinated yet.

Learn what to do if you test positive or test negative.

Read Also: Hepatitis C Can Be Spread Through Kissing

How To Test For Hep C

If you suspect you may have a hepatitis C infection, taking a hepatitis C test can be a great start in addition to consulting your healthcare provider for next steps. Our at-home hepatitis C test is a convenient way to check for exposure to this virus. To check for hepatitis C with this test, you just collect a small sample of blood with a simple finger prick, then ship the sample to a lab for testing with the prepaid shipping label that comes with the kit.

If your results from our hepatitis C testing indicate that you do have this viral infection, share your results with your healthcare provider right away so you can take the next steps they recommend.

Best Overall: Everlywell Hepatitis C Test

Everlywell Hepatitis C Test

Why We Chose It: We chose Everlywell because it has affordable and easy-to-use, physician-reviewed tests.

• Test is under roughly $50

• Least invasive test: finger prick

• Physician reviewed tests

• Connect with physician about results

• Results may take a few days

Everlywell checks all the boxes: Not only is the test affordable, but the results are easy to understand.

To use the test, you’ll first clean your finger with the alcohol pad, then use the lancet to collect a few drops of blood and put them on the collection card. Seal the collection card in the biohazard bag, and then mail your sample to a CLIA-certified lab with the prepaid return label. The test is easy-to-use and results should be returned in a matter of days.

The data is delivered straight to your device where it is protected by bank-grade encryption. The test will inform you whether you have been infected with the hepatitis C virus. If your results appear abnormal, you can connect with an independent physician in the network at no additional cost to discuss your results.

You can get the test for roughly $50, or with a membership, you can save nearly 50% and pay about $25.

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