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fastest way to get tested
by onwardandupward, Mar 29, 2007 12:00AM
I was wondering if anyone could help me find the fastest and easiest way to get tested for hep c, the last time i was tested I had to go through a primary care physician which took months to get an appointment, get the blood work papers, go to the lab on a weekend, and then wait 3 weeks for the results. I really need to know and its burning inside me. anyone have any suggestions? thanks.
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You should get the HCV PCR test which will run you about $350 which would be the quickest way.
I am sure there are other companies doing the same thing. It seems you don't need to make appt.
However this company just does the antibody testing for HCV which may not develop in the first months of an acute phase.
The HCV PCR tests would give you a viral count if you have HCV.
I am sure if you spend time googling the internet you will find a way to get the test from a walk in lab. Of course , you circumvent the insurance protocol of referels so it would be paid out of ur pocket.
it will take a week or to for the blood bank to send you a letter telling you they cant use your blood and you are pos. their tests screen for aids and maybe other thinga. not a bad deal at a better than free cost.
If he is inside that period then the PCR is the only test that will definitely show a result.
So its a question of whether he can have peace of mind for 6mths before testing or pay out of pocket now to know.
That's because at that point the virus is intermittent, meaning sometimes you may test positive for the virus and sometimes you may test negative. This up and down undulation can last as long as 18 months from infection.* I would also not go to a blood blank if you seriously think you have been exposed as there is a very small chance you could slip through the process and therefore contaminate our blood supply. My suggestion is call around and see if another doctor will see you sooner. You could also try calling around to some teaching hospitals and see if the Hepatology department has a screening program or a doctor who will see you earlier.
-- Jim
*Clinical Care Options Web Site. Mitchell Shiffman Module "Hepatitis C Epidemeology, Diagnosis and Treatment".
The qual checks only for the presence of virus. the quan checks for how much virus.
pos screen/neg pcr qual/neg riba = false + screen and no exposure to Hcv.
pos screen/neg pcr qual/pos riba = clearence of hcv or level of hcv too low for detection. Another pcr is needed in 6 months.
Hcv is very hard to diagnose sometimes and the waiting is stressful.
Probably everyone should start with an antibody screen test and stop if that is neg.
In add'n, the score on the screening test means a lot. >3.8 is considered a strong + and probable infection, >95% sure. >1 and <3.8 is considered a weak + and the confirmatory Pcr and riba tests are needed. Most weak + are false + and come back as neg on the pcr and riba.
pos screen/neg pcr qual/neg riba = false + screen and no exposure to Hcv.
pos screen/neg pcr qual/pos riba = clearence of hcv or level of hcv too low for detection. Another pcr is needed in 6 months.
Hcv is very hard to diagnose sometimes and the waiting is stressful.
Probably everyone should start with an antibody screen test and stop if that is neg.
In add'n, the score on the screening test means a lot. >3.8 is considered a strong + and probable infection, >95% sure. >1 and <3.8 is considered a weak + and the confirmatory Pcr and riba tests are needed. Most weak + are false + and come back as neg on the pcr and riba.
pos screen/neg pcr qual/neg riba = false + screen and no exposure to Hcv.
pos screen/neg pcr qual/pos riba = clearence of hcv or level of hcv too low for detection. Another pcr is needed in 6 months.
Hcv is very hard to diagnose sometimes and the waiting is stressful.
Probably everyone should start with an antibody screen test and stop if that is neg.
In add'n, the score on the screening test means a lot. >3.8 is considered a strong + and probable infection, >95% sure. >1 and <3.8 is considered a weak + and the confirmatory Pcr and riba tests are needed. Most weak + are false + and come back as neg on the pcr and riba.
pos screen/neg pcr qual/neg riba = false + screen and no exposure to Hcv.
pos screen/neg pcr qual/pos riba = clearence of hcv or level of hcv too low for detection. Another pcr is needed in 6 months.
Hcv is very hard to diagnose sometimes and the waiting is stressful.
Probably everyone should start with an antibody screen test and stop if that is neg.
In add'n, the score on the screening test means a lot. >3.8 is considered a strong + and probable infection, >95% sure. >1 and <3.8 is considered a weak + and the confirmatory Pcr and riba tests are needed. Most weak + are false + and come back as neg on the pcr and riba.
pos screen/neg pcr qual/neg riba = false + screen and no exposure to Hcv.
pos screen/neg pcr qual/pos riba = clearence of hcv or level of hcv too low for detection. Another pcr is needed in 6 months.
Hcv is very hard to diagnose sometimes and the waiting is stressful.
Probably everyone should start with an antibody screen test and stop if that is neg.
In add'n, the score on the screening test means a lot. >3.8 is considered a strong + and probable infection, >95% sure. >1 and <3.8 is considered a weak + and the confirmatory Pcr and riba tests are needed. Most weak + are false + and come back as neg on the pcr and riba.
pos screen/neg pcr qual/neg riba = false + screen and no exposure to Hcv.
pos screen/neg pcr qual/pos riba = clearence of hcv or level of hcv too low for detection. Another pcr is needed in 6 months.
Hcv is very hard to diagnose sometimes and the waiting is stressful.
Probably everyone should start with an antibody screen test and stop if that is neg.
In add'n, the score on the screening test means a lot. >3.8 is considered a strong + and probable infection, >95% sure. >1 and <3.8 is considered a weak + and the confirmatory Pcr and riba tests are needed. Most weak + are false + and come back as neg on the pcr and riba.
pos screen/neg pcr qual/neg riba = false + screen and no exposure to Hcv.
pos screen/neg pcr qual/pos riba = clearence of hcv or level of hcv too low for detection. Another pcr is needed in 6 months.
Hcv is very hard to diagnose sometimes and the waiting is stressful.
Probably everyone should start with an antibody screen test and stop if that is neg.
In add'n, the score on the screening test means a lot. >3.8 is considered a strong + and probable infection, >95% sure. >1 and <3.8 is considered a weak + and the confirmatory Pcr and riba tests are needed. Most weak + are false + and come back as neg on the pcr and riba.