Hepatitis C Support Group

Hepatitis C is a blood-borne viral disease which can cause liver inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis and liver cancer. The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is spread by blood-to-blood contact with an infected person's blood. Many people with HCV infection have no symptoms and are unaware of the need to seek treatment. Hepatitis C infects an estimated 150-200 million people worldwide.

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How long to wait???

jaya9087ag
jaya9087ag
i'm an ex heroin addict,the last time i injected was about 2 months ago, somebody told me you have to wait 3 months until they can properly test for hep? is this right or can this be done at any point after the time in question???
Trissa01
Trissa01
You can be tested right now. I believe it shows up in blood 3 - 12 weeks after initial infection. If you only contracted it 12 weeks ago it may not show up yet, you can test again. You may have contracted earlier. Since everything about hcv is slow, you may wait if you wish. It won't matter. Getting tested & treated is what matters.
jaya9087ag
jaya9087ag
yh thanks for that, ill get a test a.s.a.p if it comes up negative then ill still get another one done in say another month.
dragonars
dragonars
If it comes up neg someone just you a free pass and a second chance. Good luck peace
WarriorGal
WarriorGal
Hi Jay,

I think they are telling you to wait just in case one of your last injections infected you. So, depending on your insurance or lack thereof, you can test now and if it negative test again in a couple of months.

If you test positive, get a copy of your test results. You'll need to know your genotype to treat.

Good luck!
allaboutliving
allaboutliving
Some docs don't like to order these tests too often because they are expensive & ins. can sometimes refuse to pay so keep that in mind. May you be lucky & find out you are free of HCV.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Most local health departments will give an HCV test for free. Give your local health dept a call and ask and maybe you can avoid the doc visit.
deleted_user
deleted_user
If you can get the test free at the health dept, you can avoid having it written into your medical record. If your test is negative then you can forget about it and it doesn't have to show up in your medical record.