|
- Free Shipping on this product
- FDA approved — the only FDA approved and doctor recommended Hepatitis C test for home use
- Accurate— as accurate as tests used by doctors and hospitals
- Anonymous— you are identified only by a code number that comes with your kit
- Help Line— toll-free telephone support for test and result questions
- Timely Results- Accurate results in ten days using enclosed overnight shipping envelope
Besides being fast, convenient and accurate, the Hepatitis C Check Test System is easy to use. Each test kit comes with a detailed instructions booklet with graphic illustrations that take you through pre-test registration and counseling; collecting a blood sample; shipping that sample to an accredited laboratory and calling back for test results, post-test counseling and referrals.
Hepatitis C Testing Process
The Hepatitis C Check Test Systemis easy to use. Throughout the testing process, professionally trained counselors are available to provide assistance and to answer your questions. To protect your privacy, you are identified only by your fourteen-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) which comes with the kit.
Purchase Your Hepatitis C check Test Kit You can choose the best option for you. Hepatitis C home tests are available for purchase direct online or by calling 1-877-275-7613
PIN Registration and Pre-Test Counseling You begin by calling a toll free number to register your PIN and complete pre-test counseling. You can choose to speak to a counselor or to use the automated registration and education system. Our counselors are available to help you with any questions or personal concerns.
Sample Collection Using the retractable safety lancet provided, you prick your fingertip and place drops of blood on the blood specimen card included in the test kit. You only need enough blood to fill a circle smaller than a quarter.
ShippingYour blood sample is protected by an enclosed weather resistant protective pouch which is placed in a self-addressed, pre-paid U.S. Mail shipping envelope, all included in the test kit. Your sample is shipped directly to the certified laboratory.
Laboratory AnalysisThe laboratory is FDA approved and CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act) certified #14D0981820 and CAP (College of American Pathologists) accredited. Procedures and protocols have been certified by the United States Food and Drug Administration under cGMPs (Current Good Manufacturing Practices). At the laboratory, your blood sample is tested by experienced technicians using the exact same test ordered by doctors' offices, hospitals and clinics, ensuring greater than 99% accuracy.
Results and Post-Test Counseling After shipping your blood sample, you call back on the same toll-free number after ten business days (14 days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays). You access your test result and receive post-test counseling by once again entering your PIN number. Counselors are available to offer nationwide physician referrals to people requiring further assistance.
Q: Is the Hepatitis C Check test confidential?
A: Yes. We guarantee 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.
Q: How accurate is the Hepatitis C Check at home test?
A: The Hepatitis C Check is designed to provide you with a scientific test result that you can trust. Hepatitis C Check Tests use the same tests run by doctors and hospitals and is clinically proven to be greater than 99% accurate.
Q. What does FDA approved mean?
A: Our entire service has been scientifically reviewed for safety and effectiveness by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). FDA granted Hepatitis C Check nationwide clearance to market its service on April 28, 1999. The at-home telemedicine Hepatitis C counseling and testing service is the ONLY such service available in the United States approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Q: Can I get a copy of my results in writing?
A: Yes, 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.
Q: How does it work?
A: It's easy. Just call in to register your 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 our 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.
Background on Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a blood borne infection, and may result from exposure to blood or body fluids that contain the Hepatitis C virus. Approximately 3.9 million Americans are infected with Hepatitis C. Currently, Hepatitis C is responsible for an estimated 8,000-10,000 deaths annually from chronic liver disease. Hepatitis C is the leading cause for liver transplant and the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. Comparatively, Hepatitis C is five times more prevalent than HIV.
The majority of people infected with the Hepatitis C virus don't even know because of the silent nature (absence of symptoms) of the disease. Some people may even harbor this virus for 20+ years before they discover that they have it. The Hepatitis C virus can and does damage the liver. Using the Hepatitis C Test is a great first step in formulating your own personal prevention plan.
Q: What is Hepatitis C?
A: Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), which is found in an infected person's blood. Hepatitis C is a serious disease. Many people may carry the virus for the rest of their lives. Infected people can develop liver damage, but do not necessarily feel sick. Even those who develop a persistent infection may not show symptoms until there is severe liver damage. In some cases, hepatitis C can cause cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, liver failure and liver cancer over a period of 20 to 30 years.
Q: Why get tested for Hepatitis C?
A: Getting tested for Hepatitis C can help foster peace of mind, regardless of your test result. And, if you are concerned about testing positive for Hepatitis C, it is important to recognize that today more than ever before, there is new medical treatment that is helping thousands of people infected with Hepatitis C lead healthier, active lives.
Q: How can you tell if someone is infected with Hepatitis C?
A: Only with a blood test. A person can be Hepatitis C -infected for many years while looking and feeling healthy, with no signs at all of being sick.
Q: Who is most likely to become infected with the Hepatitis C virus?
A: Anyone can be infected with the Hepatitis C virus. However, people most likely to be infected with the Hepatitis C virus include individuals who:
- Had a blood transfusion and or received an organ transplant such as kidney, lung, or heart, before effective screening began in July 1992
- Have been or are on long term kidney dialysis (hemodialysis)
- Received treatment with a clotting factor concentrate manufactured before 1987
- Have ever injected illegal drugs, even once
- Have had sexual contact with multiple individuals over the course of their lifetime
- Have been healthcare workers with exposure to blood from a Hepatitis C infected person, especially through accidental needle sticks
- Have ever had a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
Q: Are there other types of viral Hepatitis?
A: Yes, the other most common types are Hepatitis A and B. Hepatitis A is usually transmitted by personal contact with someone who is infected and by drinking contaminated water or eating contaminated food. Most people recover from hepatitis A within 6 months without serious health problems. Hepatitis B is transmitted through infected blood and other bodily fluids. Most people (90%) are able to recover from hepatitis B infection; however, those individuals who become chronically infected may develop cirrhosis and liver cancer, if left untreated. Both Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B are preventable by vaccines. There is no vaccine for HCV.
Q: What are the symptoms of Hepatitis C?
A: The most common symptom of Hepatitis C is fatigue; however, most infected people have no recognizable signs or symptoms for a long time. Some people do experience flu-like symptoms, such as loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, fever, weakness, tiredness and mild abdominal pain. Less common symptoms are dark urine and jaundice of the skin and eyes. The only way to know if you are infected is through blood tests.
Q: Is Hepatitis C contagious?
A: Yes. Usually the Hepatitis C virus is spread from one person to another by direct exposure to infected blood or blood products, and contaminated needles or other sharp objects. Occasionally, the Hepatitis C virus may be spread by:
- an infected mother to her newborn
- sharing household objects with an infected household member. Do not share items that may be contaminated with blood such as razors and toothbrushes or
- sexual contact. Sexual transmission typically occurs among people with multiple sexual partners or a history of sexually transmitted disease.
HCV transmission is rare among long-term sexual partners who do not have other sexual contacts. Consider using condoms, because sexual transmission, although rare, is possible.
If you are infected, we recommend taking extra steps to avoid blood-to-blood contact with others to prevent any possibility of infecting other people close to you.
Q: How can I be exposed to Hepatitis C?
A: Unprotected sex with someone who is infected or sharing a needle or other drug equipment with someone who is infected.
Q: What is unprotected sex?
A: Sex without a latex condom or other barrier method.
Q: What about doing drugs?
A: Injecting drugs using a needle that has been used by someone else is risky because it can contain infected blood from that person. Any drug use, including alcohol, affects judgment and can contribute to exposure to Hepatitis C infection. Any shared drug products or equipment (i.e. straw, dollar bill, spoon) that could have blood on them are means to pass the virus.
Q: What are the ways to prevent or reduce exposure to Hepatitis C infection?
A: The best way to reduce risk is always using a latex condom correctly for all sexual intercourse. Quitting is the best prevention if you are using injectable drugs. But if that isn't an option, then people should always use a sterile needle to inject drugs and never use somebody else's equipment. Don't share toothbrushes, razors or other household objects that could get blood on them. Use bleach to clean up spilled blood. Don't share drug paraphernalia.
Q: What is the Hepatitis C test?
A: 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 service tests your blood for these antibodies.
Q: How soon do these antibodies show up?
A: 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.
Q: So you can test negative and still be infected?
A: Yes, because it takes some time for your body to produce Hepatitis C antibodies, there is a period of time when recent infections may not be detected.
We clearly mark over-the-counter (OTC) products most likely to be eligible for reimbursement through your medical flexible spending account with an FSA icon.
|
