I’m working on direct-to-consumer STD testing in JasonHealth.com . Some thoughts on Hep C testing:
Hep C Antibody is a very inexpensive test. We charge $25 for it.
It takes a long time for the body to produce the antibodies after infection. This test is only 90% sensitive after 12 weeks ( https://www.hepatitisc.uw.edu/go/screening-diagnosis/acute-d... ). Testing shortly after possible infection with this test is not effective.
The best early detection test is Hepatitis C Viral RNA, Quantitative, Real-Time PCR. It’s able to detect infection 2 weeks after.
The absolute best testing protocol after suspected infection is what doctors use for needle-stick. Test the person who may be spreading the infection immediately using the RNA test. If RNA is detectable start the short course of Hep C drugs on the person who might be infected. This will avoid acute Hep C infection altogether.
Hep C testing is very popular direct-to-consumer. For us, patients usually get it as part of full STD screening ( https://www.jasonhealth.com/l/std-testing ). About 80% of Hep C tests are ordered as part of that.
Anecdotally, it’s not usually ordered by MDs as part of STD screening. Hopefully, these new guidelines will change that.
Hep C Antibody is a very inexpensive test. We charge $25 for it.
It takes a long time for the body to produce the antibodies after infection. This test is only 90% sensitive after 12 weeks ( https://www.hepatitisc.uw.edu/go/screening-diagnosis/acute-d... ). Testing shortly after possible infection with this test is not effective.
The best early detection test is Hepatitis C Viral RNA, Quantitative, Real-Time PCR. It’s able to detect infection 2 weeks after.
The absolute best testing protocol after suspected infection is what doctors use for needle-stick. Test the person who may be spreading the infection immediately using the RNA test. If RNA is detectable start the short course of Hep C drugs on the person who might be infected. This will avoid acute Hep C infection altogether.
Hep C testing is very popular direct-to-consumer. For us, patients usually get it as part of full STD screening ( https://www.jasonhealth.com/l/std-testing ). About 80% of Hep C tests are ordered as part of that.
Anecdotally, it’s not usually ordered by MDs as part of STD screening. Hopefully, these new guidelines will change that.