Getting Tested

Get Tested!

If you think you are at risk for hepatitis C, it is important that you get tested as soon as possible. Hepatitis C is diagnosed based on the results of specific blood tests, so the first step is to ask your doctor to perform a blood test for hepatitis C.

Ask your Doctor Specifically for a Hepatitis C Test. Routine blood tests, like the ones you might have performed at your annual physical examination, do not test for hepatitis C, so it is important to request a specific test for hepatitis C from your doctor. Your doctor may choose to do these tests by himself/herself or refer you to a gastrotenterologist or a hepatologist. For more information you may want to watch our video "Getting Tested for Hepatitis C".

Two Different Testing Methods. The most commonly used tests are the ELISA and the HCV RNA tests. ELISA (that is, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) detects the presence of antibodies to the hepatitis C virus in the blood. The HCV RNA test directly detects hepatitis C virus particles in the blood. The ELISA and HCV RNA tests are very sensitive and false-negative and false-positive results usually do not occur.

Other Hepatitis C Tests. Other tests may be done, including liver enzyme tests, which may indicate the presence of liver damage, and liver biopsy, which can help a doctor determine the severity of liver damage and disease caused by hepatitis C. Those who test positive for hepatitis C virus will have a genotyping blood test to determine what type of hepatitis C virus they have. The resulting genotype can determine which treatment is appropriate and how long it should be given.

For more detailed information on testing, please go to All About Hepatitis C.com.

You can turn to The Be In Charge® Program for a vast amount of additional information and support as you manage your hepatitis C treatment. Sign up now for this tremendous support tool.