Testing & Results Questions
What is the Hepatitis C test?
The human body makes antibodies to fight off all kinds of infections.
Your body creates antibodies to the Hepatitis C virus if you are infected
with it. This Home test kit tests your blood for these antibodies.
What exactly does the Hepatitis C test do?
Any Hepatitis C test checks your blood specimen for Hepatitis C antibodies.
The body creates antibodies to Hepatitis C when an individual becomes
infected by the virus. By testing blood for these antibodies, a laboratory
can tell if Hepatitis C is present.
How soon do these antibodies show up?
In most infected people, the antibodies will show up in the blood
within six weeks to 3 months. But in some people, it might take up
to six months. This is important because the test cannot detect recent
infections. For example, if you became infected in January, you may
not test positive until July.
Is this test accurate?
Yes. In a multi-center clinical study this test kit, using blood from
a finger stick obtained by non-medically trained participants, was
proven to be greater than 99% accurate compared to a blood sample drawn
by a medical professional and tested using current test methods. In
this clinical trial approximately 4% of study participants were unable
to collect enough of a sample to begin testing and an additional 3%
were unable to collect enough of a sample to receive a conclusive result.
To assure your sample is adequate for testing, please follow all the
instructions.
Your sample will be tested with the same tests used by your doctor's
office. Your sample is tested with an Enzyme-Linked Immunoassay (ELISA).
In some cases, a more specific test called Recombinant Immunoblot Assay
(RIBA) may also be used to determine your final result.
Is the test kit confidential?
Yes. The manufacturer guarantees that all test results are completely
confidential. Included in your test kit is a personal 14-digit code
number that is not accessible to anyone else. This is how you register
to receive your test result. You are the only person who can share
your code number or result with anyone else.
How does it work?
It's easy. Just call in to register your anonymous PIN Number. Then
collect a blood spot sample by following the instructions included
in your kit. (If you have questions, you can call our toll-free number
for assistance.) Ship your sample back to the laboratory for processing
and then call in to find out your test result. You will be able to
find out your test result in ten business days.
When can I get my results?
Hepatitis C Check results are available ten business days (Monday-Friday)
after the sample is mailed to our laboratory.
How are results given?
Once your test is processed, you can call in to find out your test
result. You retrieve your results by calling the toll-free number included
in your test kit. If you are transferred to a counselor, there is no
reason to panic; this does not automatically mean that you have tested
positive.
Can I get a copy of my results in writing?
Yes, but you must first obtain your results over the phone. Then
send a self-addressed stamped envelope along with a written request
noting your code number to:
Mail Back Results
Home Access Health
2401 W. Hassell Road
Suite 1510
Hoffman Estates, IL 60195
For results via email, send an email to hahchcv@homeaccess.com. Be sure
to provide your code number in the email.
PLEASE NOTE: When results are sent via email they are sent in a Portable
Document Format (PDF) attachment which includes your personal identification
number (PIN) and your result. The email is not sent in encrypted form
and therefore your result, PIN and email address could be read by someone
on the Internet. In addition, your Internet Service Provider (ISP) can
convert your email address to your name and address and see your result.
If you have concerns about these limitations please request your results
via U.S. mail.
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