Hepatitis C (HCV) is a liver infection that can lead to serious liver damage if left untreated. Testing for HCV is a straightforward step to identify a potential infection, enabling timely medical care and preventing further health complications.
Common Locations for Testing
Many accessible locations offer Hepatitis C testing, making it convenient to get screened. Your primary care physician’s office, including family doctors or internists, is a common place to start, as they can order tests during a routine check-up. Local health departments and public health clinics also frequently provide testing services, often at reduced costs or for free.
Community health centers are another option, offering comprehensive healthcare services, including HCV screening. Hospitals and urgent care centers can conduct tests, particularly if symptoms are present or there’s a concern about recent exposure. Specialized clinics, such as infectious disease clinics or sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics, also offer targeted testing.
Some pharmacies have begun offering testing services. Additionally, mobile testing units and outreach programs may operate in various communities, reaching populations who might face barriers to traditional healthcare. Utilizing resources like LabFinder can help locate nearby labs and imaging centers that perform Hepatitis C tests and accept various insurance plans.
What to Expect During a Test
Getting a Hepatitis C test involves a blood draw. The initial screening test is an HCV antibody test, which detects antibodies the body produces in response to the virus. These antibodies typically appear within 8 to 11 weeks after infection, though in some cases, it can take up to 9 months. A reactive or positive antibody test indicates past or current exposure to the virus.
If the antibody test is positive, a second test, an HCV RNA test (also known as a viral load test), is performed to determine if there is an active infection. This test detects the genetic material of the virus and can identify an infection as early as 1 to 2 weeks after exposure, even before antibodies are detectable. Many laboratories now offer reflexive HCV RNA testing, meaning if the antibody test is positive, the RNA test is automatically performed on the same blood sample.
Results for the antibody test take a few days to a week, though rapid point-of-care tests can provide results in about 20 minutes from a fingerstick. HCV RNA test results can be available in about 1 hour with rapid point-of-care tests. Pre- and post-test counseling may be offered to discuss risk factors, test results, and next steps for care.
Cost and Coverage Options
The cost of Hepatitis C testing can vary based on the location and type of facility. Many private insurance plans, as well as government-sponsored programs like Medicaid and Medicare, cover Hepatitis C screening. For instance, Medicare covers a one-time Hepatitis C screening for individuals born between 1945 and 1965, or for those at high risk due to factors like past illicit injection drug use or blood transfusions before 1992.
Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), most insurance plans are required to cover preventive screenings, which include Hepatitis C testing, without patient cost-sharing. For individuals who are uninsured or underinsured, there are still options for affordable testing. Safety-net providers like federal qualified health centers, public hospitals, community health centers, and local health departments may offer free or sliding-scale services.
Additionally, patient assistance programs offered by pharmaceutical companies may help with the cost of medication if treatment is required, potentially reducing out-of-pocket expenses. These programs have eligibility requirements based on income and household size. It is advisable to inquire about costs and coverage directly with the testing facility or your insurance provider beforehand.