At-home Hepatitis C Screening

                      AT-HOME HEPATITIS C SCREENING 

Hepatitis C is a virus that causes inflammation to the lungs. The hepatitis C virus (HCV), which causes the infection, has affected over 2.4 million people living in the United States. The diseases are usually transmitted by coming in contact with the blood of a person tested positive of the disease. As a result, screening for Hepatitis C is very important because the hepatitis C symptoms rarely reflects on the outside so most people are not aware that they carry the virus. The virus spreads through the blood or blood fluids which can lead to liver cancer or liver scarring. Symptoms of hepatitis C includes tiredness, feeling nervous, fluid in the abdomen, yellowing of the eyes, bleeding amongst others.

                                   STAGES OF HEPATITIS C

The following are the phases of Hepatitis C:

1.   Early stage: This stage is the first contact with the virus, and can last between 14 to 80 days. It involves mild fibrosis without walls.
2. Acute hepatitis C: This stage causes a short -term illness after the virus has entered the body. This is a period when the infection can easily be eradicated. 
3. Chronic hepatitis C: This stage can lead to critical health problems such as liver cancer, although it does not cause cirrhosis. 
4. Cirrhosis: This stage involves scarring, bleeding, bruising and a constant yellowing of the skin.   

                      WHAT IS HEPATITIS C SCREENING AND HOW DOES IT WORK?

Hepatitis C screening is a blood test that determines whether or not a person has been infected with the hepatitis C virus. To know if you’re infected by the virus, a doctor will order a nucleic acid test (NAT). If the test results are negative, it means the virus is no longer in your body; however, if the test results are positive, this means the virus is currently in your bloodstream. 

All adults, including pregnant women, should get tested for hepatitis C, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  HIV patients, non-sterile tattoos or piercings, long-term hemodialysis as a child, injectable illegal drugs, several sex partners, and those diagnosed with sexually transmitted diseases (STI) are all at higher risk of getting the virus.

                          A GUIDE TO FOLLOW WHEN SELECTING THE BEST AT HOME  

                          HEPATITIS C TESTS

1.  Check the BBB rating of the company 
2. Do they offer assistance in interpreting the results that have been sent?
3. Check to see if the company has ever been involved in a lawsuit.

                     BEST AT-HOME HEPATITIS C TESTS 

1. iDNA Hepatitis C test

The shipping mechanism for the iDNA Hepatitis C at home kits is very fast. It comes with basic instructions on how to collect samples. To for HCV antibodies, the test requires a finger-prick sample. One of the advantages of using iDNA is that if the result is positive, you get a free retest.  However, the company does not provide medical consultation; instead you could visit your doctor about the result. The result of the test can be viewed via email or on the iDNA app.

Feedbacks have been very impressive from users of the product. People have appreciated them for quick results and ease of use via TrustPilot, however some have complained that results take an eternity to arrive.  

1. MyLAB Box Hepatitis C Test

To test for HCV antibodies, samples are taken by a finger prick. Result can be received between 2 to 5 days. Payment can be made in advance or via an FSA or HAS account. Free consultation with a doctor is conducted once a person tested positive.  Positive and negative feedback has been received from their users. Others have lauded them for their simplicity in the sample collection. Some reviewers, on the other hand, claim that the company is unreliable and unresponsive.

1. Everlywell Hepatitis C Test 

Blood samples are collected via a finger prick to check for HCV antibody. Test results are very reliable and safe, as long as you follow the directions. A bandage, alcohol pad, lancet, gauze and a collection card are included in the test kits. The samples are sent via a biohazard bag and results are received in a matter of days. This type of test can be paid for with a Flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA). In addition, free health consultation are provider if results comes out positive.

 The feedback they’ve received from their customers has been overwhelmingly good, and the majority of them plan to use their products again.