Frequently Asked Questions

Question

Accepted Answer

• Should people who received blood transfusions years ago be tested? Yes, individuals who received blood transfusions or organ transplants before 1992 are encouraged to get tested as blood screening was not as rigorous then. • Why is Hepatitis C sometimes called a 'silent epidemic'? Because there are often no symptoms in the early stages of the infection, making screening important for early detection. • Is fasting required for the Hepatitis C antibody test? No, you do not need to fast for this blood test. • Who is considered at high risk and should be screened? High-risk groups include IV drug users (even if only once), people with HIV, and children born to mothers with Hepatitis C. • When do HCV antibodies usually become detectable after infection? The service information states that HCV antibodies typically appear about 4 to 10 weeks after infection.

Hepatitis C Antibody (HCV) Test - Hepatitis C Virus Antibody (HCV Ab) Test