Question 1

what happens when different types of blood tests for hepatitis c give different results?

Accepted Answer

Repeat, follow up: Depends on the test. Some have different limits of what can be measured.  Make sure you're comparing apples to apples.  When in doubt, repeat and follow up.

Question 2

how long does it take for hepatitis blood tests to come back?

Accepted Answer

Usually same day: The cms panel of hepatitis tests is routinely done within a couple of hours of the specimen reaching the laboratory.  Even if the tests are batched, the results are usually available within one day.  Since the routine tests are screening tests, confirmatory test, if needed, may take 2-3 days.

Question 3

how long is it supposed to it take for hepatitis blood tests to come back with accurate results?

Accepted Answer

Depends on the Lab: Antibody to hep b and even the dna tests for hep b can be done the day the sample is collected. However, the labs sometimes batch the tests and in that case the results would be avilable the day the lab runs the test.

Question 4

i have been diagnosed with hepatitis a recently. i had it 30 years ago. why are my blood tests positive if you can't have it twice?

Accepted Answer

Should only occur: Once.  Were both proven by blood test?

Question 5

can you mask hepatitis b so it wont show up in blood tests?

Accepted Answer

No.: One knows when one has been infected with hepatitis a, b or c (once known as non a non b) because initially there are the antigens and well as antibodies to these disorders.  Over time the antigens may decrease, but antibodies remain indicated that there had been an infection in the past. These antibodies remain for a long time although they may also decrease, but are still detectable in the tests.

Question 6

which blood tests are available to check for hepatitis c?

Accepted Answer

HCV antibody: The most common first line test would be an HCV antibody.  Other tests include:  HCV rna, which measures the "amount" of virus in your blood.  Hcv genotype, which determines the "type" of hepatitis C you have.  And riba, which is used on rare occasions when your doctor is concerned that a positive HCV antibody test may be incorrect (as seen with a condition known as hypergammaglobulinemia).

Question 7

what is chance of contracting hepatitis if one gets skin cut on neck of 4mm by hair trimmer at barbershop. what blood tests can be done to rule out?

Accepted Answer

Incredibly small: Licensed barbers and cosmetologists are required to clean instruments thoroughly between uses, including use of germ-killing cleaning fluids. Make sure the shop has all required licenses. There would be no reason to get a hepatitis test after a small skin cut if proper cleaning methods were used. Ask your doctor about getting vaccinated against hepatitis b if you aren't already.

Question 8

if you make a full recovery from hepatitis, normal blood tests and mild fibrosis; is the occasional, sensible drink ok? please advise as i am not an alcoholic.

Accepted Answer

Hard to say....: The issue here is the "mild" fibrosis. No way for an accurate or safe reply from a distant online forum. My guess is that light alcohol intake might be safe, but your decision shouls be based entirely on advice from your own doctor(s) familiar with your case. If your PCP is uncertain, consult with a liver disease expert. Good luck.

Question 9

can my 16 year old play soccer with hepatitis a? she has had it for two weeks and feels fine. her blood tests are not quite 100% yet.

Accepted Answer

Sure: She is not going to hurt herself but may tire more easily than usual.

Question 10

does mild fibrosis of the liver due to alcoholic hepatitis shorten your life span if blood tests are now normal & you lead a healthy lifestyle?

Accepted Answer

Watch out: Serious hepatic pathology can be present despite normal liver function tests.  Please seek help to stop any alcohol use or exposure to other liver toxins.   Be sure to be screened as well for other processes, infections etc that can cause liver fibrosis.   With minor damage, the liver can regenerate  but careful, untreated alcohol use disorders significantly shorten life spans.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Blood tests hepatitis

A member asked:

What happens when different types of blood tests for hepatitis c give different results?

A member asked:

How long does it take for hepatitis blood tests to come back?

A member asked:

How long is it supposed to it take for hepatitis blood tests to come back with accurate results?

A member asked:

I have been diagnosed with hepatitis a recently. i had it 30 years ago. why are my blood tests positive if you can't have it twice?

A member asked:

Can you mask hepatitis b so it wont show up in blood tests?

A member asked:

Which blood tests are available to check for hepatitis c?

A member asked:

What is chance of contracting hepatitis if one gets skin cut on neck of 4mm by hair trimmer at barbershop. what blood tests can be done to rule out?

A member asked:

If you make a full recovery from hepatitis, normal blood tests and mild fibrosis; is the occasional, sensible drink ok? please advise as i am not an alcoholic.

A member asked:

Can my 16 year old play soccer with hepatitis a? she has had it for two weeks and feels fine. her blood tests are not quite 100% yet.

A member asked:

Does mild fibrosis of the liver due to alcoholic hepatitis shorten your life span if blood tests are now normal & you lead a healthy lifestyle?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?