Aa
Do I really have to wait 3 months to get an accurate blood test?
a couple weeks ago (February 22nd) i had unprotected anal sex with a man i didn't know so well (i was the insertive partner, im a guy too) and now i'm worried about Hepatitis.
How soon can i get tested for it? it's mainly hepatitis C im worried about since i believe i was vaccinated for Hepatitis A & B. but will i really have to wait 3 months till i know for sure??
i know the blood test for hepatitis detect the antibodies, but isn't there a type of blood test that searches for the actual virus in your blood which is accurate sooner?
also, am i seriously at risk for it?
How soon can i get tested for it? it's mainly hepatitis C im worried about since i believe i was vaccinated for Hepatitis A & B. but will i really have to wait 3 months till i know for sure??
i know the blood test for hepatitis detect the antibodies, but isn't there a type of blood test that searches for the actual virus in your blood which is accurate sooner?
also, am i seriously at risk for it?
“The window period for acute HCV infection before the detection of antibodies averages 8 to 11 weeks, with a reported range of 2 weeks to 6 months. In addition, some people might lack the immune response necessary to develop detectable antibodies within this time range ”
The 6 month window is for people who are infected with hiv as it may take them longer to develop enough antibodies to be detectable.
There is another test called the HCV RNA by PCR that looks for the actual virus itself. That test is many more times expensive and so is done after receiving a positive antibody test.
Hep c is not a medical emergency so waiting 12 weeks won’t affect your health should you be positive.
Yes unprotected sex can be a risk factor.
Good luck
The 6 month window is for people who are infected with hiv as it may take them longer to develop enough antibodies to be detectable.
There is another test called the HCV RNA by PCR that looks for the actual virus itself. That test is many more times expensive and so is done after receiving a positive antibody test.
Hep c is not a medical emergency so waiting 12 weeks won’t affect your health should you be positive.
Yes unprotected sex can be a risk factor.
Good luck
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