certain infections. It’s not uncommon for nephrologists to request specific blood tests regularly. Hepatitis C is one of them.
9. You Had An Organ Transplant Before 1992
Before 1992, transplant organs and the blood being used during surgeries or transfusions weren’t tested for hepatitis C. This makes it more likely for those who got transplants or transfusions before that time to have the virus.
10. You’ve Been Incarcerated
Being in close quarters in prison can increase your risk of exposure to bloodborne illnesses. If you opt for a prison tattoo or piercing, that ups your chances as well because the equipment that will be used is unlikely to be thoroughly cleaned.
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What The Tests Are
Hepatitis C can be diagnosed through two different types of blood tests. These are the anti-HCV and Hepatitis C RNA tests. When you get infected with hepatitis C, your body produces anti-HCV antibodies that never leave your body. The anti-HCV test is designed to detect these antibodies. The only drawback of this test is that it can’t differentiate between an infection that has been treated and a new one. The RNA test, on the other hand, can determine the viral load in your blood. This information can tell your doctor if it’s a current infection and how far the illness has progressed. This is why an RNA test is usually recommended after the anti-HCV.
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How To Interpret The Results
The results of an anti-HCV test can either be reactive or non-reactive. A non-reactive test is interpreted as negative. It means that you don’t currently have hepatitis C and have never had it. A reactive test means that you either have a current infection or had the illness in the past. A reactive anti-HCV test will typically trigger your doctor to order a hepatitis C RNA test.
Since hepatitis C can be asymptomatic during the early stages of infection, it makes sense to get tested regularly. If you might have been exposed or just want to be safe, it’s best to know for sure.