How You Could Contract Hepatitis C And What You Should Do Immediately

3. Diagnosis

Diagnosis of hepatitis C requires a blood test known as a hepatitis C antibody screen or anti-HCV. In most cases, the blood drawn will need to be sent out to a laboratory where it can be tested. There is a rapid test that is approved by the Federal Drug Administration that is able to provide results in twenty minutes. A negative test indicates there is no hepatitis infection or exposure. Although a positive test indicates there is hepatitis exposure, it does not mean there is an infection. Viruses can live in the body for years before symptoms or infections occur.