At Home Hepatitis C Screening 5 Best Ways to Test Yourself
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niddk.nih.gov/health-information/liver-disease/viral-hepatitis/hepatitis-c#treatmentHepatitis C questions and answers for the public. (2020).
cdc.gov/hepatitis/hcv/cfaq.htmHepatitis C screening: Questions for the doctor. (2020).
health.gov/myhealthfinder/topics/doctor-visits/talking-doctor/hepatitis-c-screening-questions-doctor Hepatitis C testing. (2020).
cdc.gov/hepatitis/hcv/HepatitisCTesting.htmInterpretation of results of tests for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and further actions. (2013).
cdc.gov/hepatitis/hcv/pdfs/hcv_graph.pdfJoshi SN. (2014). Hepatitis C screening.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4295744/Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Current Version Sep 27, 2022 By Steph Coelho Edited By DeVonne Goode Medically Reviewed By Cynthia Taylor Chavoustie, MPAS, PA-C Copy Edited By Siobhan DeRemer Feb 25, 2022 By Steph Coelho Edited By Catherine Conelly Medically Reviewed By Youssef (Joe) Soliman, MD Copy Edited By Delores Smith-Johnson VIEW ALL HISTORY Share this articleMedically reviewed by Cynthia Taylor Chavoustie, MPAS, PA-C — By Steph Coelho — Updated on September 27, 2022
At-Home Hepatitis C Screening What Are the Options
Medically reviewed by Cynthia Taylor Chavoustie, MPAS, PA-C — By Steph Coelho — Updated on September 27, 2022Share on PinterestImage created by Jackie CruzWe include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.Quick look at the best at-home hepatitis C tests
Best overall at-home hepatitis C test: Everlywell Hepatitis C TestBest at-home hepatitis B and C test: LetsGetChecked Hepatitis B + C TestBest at-home hepatitis C and STI test: Nurx Full Control Home STI Test KitBest at-home hepatitis C test with fast results: myLAB Box Hepatitis C TestBest at-home hepatitis C test with fast shipping: iDNA Hepatitis C Test Hepatitis C is an infection that affects the liver. The hepatitis C virus (HCV), which causes the infection, is usually transmitted by coming into contact with blood that’s positive for the virus. Screening for hepatitis C is important because the virus can cause liver damage even if there aren’t any outward signs. It can also lead to liver scarring and liver cancer. And it’s possible to pass it to someone else without knowing you have the disease. If you suspect you’ve contracted HCV, the best thing to do is see a doctor in person. If you can’t get to a doctor, at-home tests can be helpful, but you should still talk with a doctor about your results. Some online services will put you in touch with a healthcare professional to help you go over your results. Otherwise, you can make an appointment with your preferred doctor or at a local clinic. Below, we provide more details about:hepatitis C screening why you might want to get tested our best at-home test picks how to interpret test resultsWhat is a hepatitis C screening
Testing for hepatitis C involves a blood test called an HCV antibody test (or anti-HCV test). This test determines if you’ve ever had a hepatitis C infection by checking your blood for HCV-specific antibodies. You’ll need to undergo follow-up testing if you test positive for HCV antibodies. Having antibodies does not mean you currently have an active infection. It may simply mean that you have had a prior exposure that your immune system cleared. A doctor will order an HCV RNA test to check whether you have an active infection. A positive result means the virus is currently active in your bloodstream. If you get a negative result, the virus was once in your body, but it’s not anymore.How we chose the best at-home hepatitis C tests
We reviewed each brand’s business and medical practices, checking:their BBB rating, if they have onewhether they’ve been involved in any lawsuitswhether they provide help interpreting your resultswhether they make any unacceptable health claims All companies on the list also state they use accredited labs to process their testing kits.Pricing guide
$ = under $50$$ = $50–$100$$$ = over $100Healthline s picks of the best at-home hepatitis C tests
Best overall at-home hepatitis C test
Everlywell Hepatitis C Test
Price: $$Test type: finger-prick blood testResults time: 5 to 7 business daysPros: affordable, includes follow-up with a medical professionalCons: none specific to this test. Not everyone will be comfortable pricking themselves, though. This kit from Everlywell tests for HCV antibodies to see if you’ve ever had a hepatitis C infection. Testing involves taking a finger-prick blood sample. The test should be safe and accurate, as long as you follow the directions. However, just because you test positive for HCV antibodies does not mean you have an active infection. The test ships free and includes prepaid return shipping. The testing kit includes everything you need to take a finger-prick blood sample, including:gauzean alcohol pada bandagea lanceta collection card When you’re done collecting the sample, you’ll put it into the biohazard bag and send it back for testing using the prepaid return label. You should receive results within a few days. If you test positive, a physician will get in touch to discuss your results and next steps. Reviewers say the test is quick and efficient, and that results are well explained. Most of them say that they would use the service again. You can pay for the test using a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA). Your insurance company might cover this testing type, but it depends entirely on your provider. Read our full review of Everywell here.SHOP NOW AT EVERLYWELLBest at-home hepatitis B and C test
Let sGetChecked Hepatitis B and C Test
Price: $$Test type: finger-prick blood testResults time: 2 to 5 business daysPros: tests for both hepatitis B and C, includes option to speak with a nurse if you test positive Cons: no option to test for hepatitis C only If you want to buy a hepatitis C test from Let’sGetChecked, you have to buy the hepatitis B and C testing bundle. The hepatitis B surface antigen test (HBsAg) checks for hepatitis B-specific antigens and antibodies in the blood to determine if you have an active infection. A positive test means you can transmit the virus, but it cannot tell you if you have a chronic or acute infection. A negative test will only tell you that you will not currently transmit the virus. You can test negative and still have hepatitis B. Let’sGetChecked does not include this info on the product page. It may still be important to visit a doctor to determine if you have the virus and what stage it’s in. Testing for hepatitis C involves an HCV antibody test. You’ll need additional testing if you test positive for HCV antibodies. Tests from Let’sGetChecked should be safe and accurate when used as directed. Still, you should talk with your doctor about your results. Both the hepatitis B and C tests involve taking a finger-prick sample. You can take the sample in the morning and send it back the same day. Results should arrive within 2 to 5 business days. If either test returns a positive result, a nurse will get in touch to go over what this means. However, we recommend also going over your results with your doctor. Let’sGetChecked has a 4.6 average on TrustPilot. Reviewers appreciate the quick and easy testing process. However, some customers complain about shipping issues and results taking longer than expected. Read our full review of Let’sGetChecked here.SHOP NOW AT LETSGETCHECKEDBest at-home hepatitis C and STI test
Nurx Full Control Home STI Test Kit
Price: $$$Test type: urine, throat swab, rectal swab, and finger-prick testResults time: 5 to 7 business daysPros: includes comprehensive STI testing Cons: not available in all states, some customer service complaints This test kit includes tests for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and hepatitis C. The collection method varies by test, so you’ll have to do a urine sample, throat swab, rectal swab, and finger-prick sample. You’ll pay a $15 consultation fee. For the consultation, a healthcare professional reviews your information and orders the tests. The fee gives you access to a Nurx medical professional for 1 year, allowing you to ask questions about the test or your results. The kit is shipped to you within about 3 to 5 business days. The company takes insurance, but it’s best to check with your provider before assuming they will cover testing. There are no customer reviews specifically for the hepatitis and STI testing kit, but overall, reviews on the website are largely positive. People say they love the convenient service. Negative reviews complain mostly about poor communication. Reviews about Nurx on other sites are mixed, and the company has a lousy BBB review rating with only 2 out of 5 stars. Most of the complaints have to do with poor customer service. Read our full review of Nurx here.SHOP NOW AT NURXBest at-home hepatitis C test with fast results
myLAB Box Hepatitis C Test
Price: $$Test type: finger-prick testResults time: 2 to 5 business daysPros: includes phone consultation with a healthcare professional if you get a positive test resultCons: some customers say the company is unreliable The myLAB Box Hepatitis C Test checks for HCV antibodies in the blood. If you test positive, you’ll need to get a nucleic acid test to check if you have an active infection. The company urges customers to bring their results to their doctor for follow-up and treatment. The 5-minute test requires a finger-prick blood sample. You’ll send back the kit and get your results within 2 to 5 business days. A free consultation with a physician is available if you test positive, but the company recommends going over your results with a doctor. You can use an FSA or HSA account to pay for the test or pay out of pocket. There are only two reviews for the hepatitis C kit, both overwhelmingly positive. On TrustPilot, myLAB Box has an average rating of 3.5. Many people are happy with their purchase and say the process is easy and convenient. However, some reviewers complain that the company is unresponsive and unreliable. SHOP NOW AT MYLAB BOXBest at-home hepatitis C test with fast shipping
iDNA Hepatitis C Test
Price: $$Test type: finger-prick testResults time: 2 to 7 business daysPros: includes free retest if your results are positiveCons: no follow-up if you test positive, shipping is not free The iDNA testing kit comes with easy-to-follow directions and everything you need to take samples at home. The test requires a finger-prick sample to check for HCV antibodies. If you test positive, the company offers a free re-test. However, they do not provide any consultation with a healthcare professional. Instead, they recommend you see your doctor to go over your results and talk about treatment options. You’ll have to pay for return shipping. Depending on how much you’re willing to spend, you can choose between first class, business, and overnight shipping. You can check your test result through the iDNA app or receive them via email. iDNA does not take health insurance, but you may be able to submit a claim to your provider. Reviews for iDNA are generally positive. The company has a 4.2 average rating on TrustPilot, where people say they appreciate the convenient, fast results. Still, some reviewers complain that getting results takes forever. SHOP NOW AT iDNAComparing at-home hepatitis C tests
ProductPriceProsConsTakes insurance?Everlywell$$includes access to a medical professionalonly screens for hepatitis CHSA-eligible but depends on providerLet’s Get Checked$$tests for hepatitis B and Cno option for a hepatitis C-only testdoes not take insurance but is FSA- and HSA-eligibleNurx$$$includes testing for STIsconsultation with a medical professional will cost extra and is limiteddepends on providermyLAB Box$$includes phone consult with a medical professional if you test positivesome reviewers claim the company is unresponsiveHSA- and FSA-eligibleiDNA$$includes free re-test if you receive a positive resultno consultation available, no free shippingnoWho should be tested for hepatitis C
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the following people should be tested for hepatitis C:all adultspregnant peoplepeople with risk factors You may be at higher risk for hepatitis C if you:use illicit injectable drugsreceived clotting factor produced before 1987received a blood transfusion or had an organ transplant before July 1992receive blood from someone who later tested positive for HCVhad long-term hemodialysis as a child have consistently high levels of abnormal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in your bloodwere birthed by someone who was HCV positivehave HIVhave ever had a needle-stick injury or potentially been exposed to HCV-positive blood (this is more likely if you work in a healthcare setting) have had a tattoo or piercing done outside of a professional sterile environment According to the CDC, HCV may be passed through sexual activity, though this is not common. The agency notes that your risk may be increased if you:have a sexually transmitted infection (STI)have sex with multiple partnershave anal sexHow do at-home hepatitis tests work
The various brands of at-home hepatitis tests work similarly and all require a small blood sample, usually from a finger prick. It’s a straightforward procedure. Firstly, you’ll need to prick the side of your finger with the supplied sterile lancet. Then, you’ll collect the drop of blood on a test strip and return it to the lab. The lab analyses your blood sample to look for the presence of antibodies and the results appear online, either in an app or portal, in around 2 to 7 days.Getting a hepatitis C test from your doctor
Ideally, you should talk with a doctor about hepatitis C screening. They’ll ask you about any potential exposures or risk factors and will probably order a blood test to check for HCV antibodies. You can get your blood tested anywhere that does routine blood work. It’s the same procedure as getting a routine blood test.How to interpret your at-home hepatitis C test results
Here’s how to interpret at-home hepatitis C test results:If you test negative (HCV antibody nonreactive) for the HCV antibody test, you do not need to do any more testing — unless you suspect a recent exposure. If so, you should consider an NAT.If you test positive (HCV antibody reactive) for the HCV antibody test, you have had exposure to the hepatitis C virus. To find out if you have an active infection, you’ll need to get an HCV test. You’ll need to see a doctor to ask about getting an NAT or RNA test. You cannot order these types of tests online.A positive NAT means you have a current HCV infection and is useful if you’ve been exposed very recently and your body may not have developed antibodies. Your doctor will recommend a treatment plan. A negative NAT means you do not have a current HCV infection. A positive RNA means you have an active HCV infection and need treatment.A negative RNA but positive antibodies mean you have been exposed to HCV but do not have an active infection.When to see a doctor about hepatitis C
Even if you opt for at-home testing, it’s always a good idea to see your doctor once you get back your results. They can help you interpret them. You can also ask follow-up questions and get information about your health.Hepatitis C prevention tips
There’s no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C, so the best way to prevent an infection is to avoid contact with blood containing the virus. You can help protect yourself against HCV by:never sharing drug needles or personal items like toothbrushes or razorswearing gloves if you touch blood or open woundsensuring any tattoos or piercings are done with sterile needles in a clean environmentpracticing safe sex with barrier contraception such as using a latex or polyurethane condom If you think you may have been exposed to HCV, see a doctor as soon as possible to get tested or consider at-home testing. If you chose at-home testing, be aware that antibodies can take up to 6 months to appear. So if your at-home test is negative but you have a positive exposure, it’s best to see a healthcare professional for more sensitive testing.Frequently asked questions about hepatitis C and testing
What is a hepatitis C test
A hepatitis C test checks for HCV antibodies in your blood. If you test positive, that may mean you have an active infection or a previous one. Another test, called HCV RNA, is required to verify whether the infection is active.How is a hepatitis C test done
Testing for hepatitis C involves taking a blood sample. Most at-home tests require a finger prick.What are the symptoms of hepatitis C
Symptoms depend on how long you’ve had the infection. Many people with a newly contracted HCV infection do not have any symptoms. Those who develop symptoms may have:jaundiceloss of appetitenausea and vomitingstomach painfeverdark urinejoint painfatiguelight-colored stools People with a long-term infection (also known as chronic hepatitis C) may experience depression and fatigue. Eventual complications include liver disease and cancer.What are the treatments for hepatitis C
Treatment involves taking antiviral medication for up to 24 weeks. In most cases, this can cure an HCV infection. Steph Coelho is a freelance writer with chronic migraine who has a particular interest in health and wellness. When she’s not click-clacking away on her keyboard, she’s probably nose-deep in a good book. Last medically reviewed on September 27, 2022How we vetted this article
SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Hepatitis C. (2020).niddk.nih.gov/health-information/liver-disease/viral-hepatitis/hepatitis-c#treatmentHepatitis C questions and answers for the public. (2020).
cdc.gov/hepatitis/hcv/cfaq.htmHepatitis C screening: Questions for the doctor. (2020).
health.gov/myhealthfinder/topics/doctor-visits/talking-doctor/hepatitis-c-screening-questions-doctor Hepatitis C testing. (2020).
cdc.gov/hepatitis/hcv/HepatitisCTesting.htmInterpretation of results of tests for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and further actions. (2013).
cdc.gov/hepatitis/hcv/pdfs/hcv_graph.pdfJoshi SN. (2014). Hepatitis C screening.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4295744/Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Current Version Sep 27, 2022 By Steph Coelho Edited By DeVonne Goode Medically Reviewed By Cynthia Taylor Chavoustie, MPAS, PA-C Copy Edited By Siobhan DeRemer Feb 25, 2022 By Steph Coelho Edited By Catherine Conelly Medically Reviewed By Youssef (Joe) Soliman, MD Copy Edited By Delores Smith-Johnson VIEW ALL HISTORY Share this articleMedically reviewed by Cynthia Taylor Chavoustie, MPAS, PA-C — By Steph Coelho — Updated on September 27, 2022