Overview
Hepatitis C is a Viral infection that is caused by Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). It can become a chronic illness leading to inflammation and potentially Liver damage if left untreated. Testing for Hepatitis C is essential because it may not exhibit symptoms in most cases. By screening HCV can be distinguished from other Hepatitis causes such as Hepatitis A and hepatitis B.
You can determine if you have been infected with HCV by getting an Anti HCV Antibody / Total Antibody to Hepatitis C test done. It works by looking for HCV antibodies in the blood. It is advisable to have a Hepatitis C screening at least once if you are 18 years of age or older. Additionally if you have risk factors for HCV infection or are pregnant testing is advised. Screening is a crucial step in diagnosing acute Hepatitis C before Liver damage develops because the illness often exhibits no symptoms.
No special preparation like fasting is needed for this test. The technician will draw Blood from your Arms Vein or Finger tip for sample collection. The following details will help you understand about the best Anti HCV Antibody / Total Antibody to Hepatitis C Test in Jaipur.
What is the Anti HCV Antibody / Total Antibody to Hepatitis C Test ?
HCV Antibodies are usually not detectable during the first 2 months following infection, and they are usually detectable by the late convalescent stage (>6 months after onset) of infection. These antibodies do not neutralize the virus, and they do not provide immunity against this viral infection. Loss of HCV antibodies may occur in the years following resolution of infection. A positive test result does not distinguish between past (resolved) and chronic HCV infection. Serologic tests cannot predict or monitor response to Antiviral Therapy.
What is the Purpose of the Anti HCV Antibody / Total Antibody to Hepatitis C Test ?
Testing for Hepatitis C is done to find out if you have HCV infection and to help you with treatment. If you have this infection, HCV antibodies are present in your blood and other bodily secretions. HCV infections are of two types: acute or chronic. In order to screen, diagnose, manage, and monitor the treatment, the doctor may advise hepatitis C testing.
- Acute HCV infection: In the first six months following viral exposure, you may develop acute hepatitis C. Acute hepatitis C is an infection that may go unnoticed in its early stages because of its mild nature. As a result, the majority of people remain unaware that they have an infection. In around 25% of patients, the immune system fights off the HCV infection completely and the virus is removed from the body.
- Chronic Hepatitis C: This occurs when the body is unable to rid itself of the hepatitis C virus. About 75% to 85% of cases often progress from acute to chronic hepatitis C. Early diagnosis and treatment of chronic hepatitis C is crucial in order to avoid consequences such as Liver Disease, Liver Failure, and Liver Cancer.
When is an Anti HCV Antibody / Total Antibody to Hepatitis C Test Recommended ?
It's crucial to get tested for Hepatitis C at least once in your lifetime if you're 18 years of age or older. Screening is advised if you have risk factors for HCV infection and are pregnant. It is advised to get screened on a regular basis if you have risk factors as long as those factors continue. Hepatitis C risk factors include:
- History of current or past injectable drug use
- Receiving Kidney Dialysis
- Working or living in a prison
- Being born to a mother with hepatitis C
- Having an HIV infection
- Often engaging in unprotected sex
When determining the cause of liver damage that has already occurred or when liver tests show abnormalities, hepatitis C testing may also be carried out. Additionally, if you are exhibiting symptoms, HCV screening is necessary. Hepatitis C rarely has any symptoms, but if you have the virus, you may experience signs one to three months later. Typical symptoms associated with infection are:
- Dark yellow urine
- Fatigue or tiredness
- Fever
- Clay- or gray-colored stools
- Pain in the abdomen or joints
- Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
- Jaundice or yellowish skin and eyes
Preparation for Anti HCV Antibody / Total Antibody to Hepatitis C Test
- Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, there is no need for you to make any special preparations before the Anti HCV Antibody / Total Antibody to Hepatitis C Test.
- Other blood tests can be carried out in addition to a Anti HCV Antibody / Total Antibody to Hepatitis C Test. If your doctor advises you to have multiple tests at once, they may ask you to fast for a specific period of time prior to a blood test.
- Drink adequate water before sample collection.
- Follow the preparatory instructions as guided by your doctor.
What is the Cost of an Anti HCV Antibody / Total Antibody to Hepatitis C Test ?
The Price of an Anti HCV Antibody / Total Antibody to Hepatitis C Test is Rs. 900. However, cost of the test may fluctuate depending on following factors:
- Other tests advised along with Anti HCV Antibody / Total Antibody to Hepatitis C Test
- Offers or discounts
- Empanelment of the patient
Components of Anti HCV Antibody / Total Antibody to Hepatitis C Test
- HCV Antibodies: The body's reaction to an infection includes the production of Antibodies. You can find out if you have ever been exposed to HCV by having your Hepatitis C Antibodies tested. The next step is to test for Hepatitis C RNA, which can determine whether you are currently infected, if this test comes up positive.
Interpreting the Anti HCV Antibody / Total Antibody to Hepatitis C Test Results
You may expect following results from the Anti HCV Antibody / Total Antibody to Hepatitis C Test:
- Negative (Non Reactive): In this scenario, there are no detectable HCV antibodies in your blood. That's usually because you don't have hep C infection and you were never exposed to the virus. Your negative result may occasionally be false negative, indicating that you have HCV infection.
- Positive (Reactive): This indicates that you have an HCV infection. In this case, further testing may be required to confirm the infection.
How is the Anti HCV Antibody / Total Antibody to Hepatitis C Test Done ?
The Blood Sample for Anti HCV Antibody / Total Antibody to Hepatitis C Test is taken in following steps:
- The area where the needle will be inserted to take your blood is cleaned with an antiseptic alcohol wipe. The hollow on the inside side of the elbow or the tip of the finger are the most common sites for this.
- A tourniquet or a band is tied around your upper arm to facilitate the access to the vein in your arm.
- A needle is used to puncture your vein. The blood sample is collected into a test tube attached to the needle. The needle may cause a small pinch or sting when it is inserted.
- Once the vial or test tube is filled, the blood sample collection for the test is finished and the needle is taken out.
- Finger pressure is applied on the puncture site to stop the bleeding and the band aid is applied at the site.
- Blood collection typically takes less than five minutes.
- Temporary throbbing and bruising, as well as mild discomfort or stinging when the needle is inserted, are all possible side effects of a blood draw.
How to Schedule A Anti HCV Antibody / Total Antibody to Hepatitis C Test with Dr. B. Lal Lab ?
- Go to the Dr. B. Lal Lab website.
- Go to the “Book a test” tab.
- Select the “Lab Test” tab.
- Type “Anti HCV Antibody / Total Antibody to Hepatitis C Test” in the search bar.
- Click on the test.
- The test page with all the test details will show up.
- Click on “Book Now”.
- Login and verify your mobile number with OTP.
- Now enter your details.
- Select date & time for booking Anti HCV Antibody / Total Antibody to Hepatitis C Test in Jaipur.
- Check out.
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