Hepatitis C Lab Test – At-Home Sampling

Test for antibodies against the hepatitis C virus using a capillary blood sample collected at home. The sample is sent to the laboratory, and the result is displayed digitally.

The test at a glance

• Sample collection entirely at home
• Liquid capillary blood from the fingertip
• Laboratory analysis
• Medical laboratory accredited according to ISO 15189
• Quality assurance according to Rili-BÄK
• Digital result in a personal health portal

What is analyzed?

HCV antibodies

The analysis checks for the presence of antibodies against the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Antibodies indicate that the immune system has reacted to the virus but cannot determine on their own whether the infection is still active.

Symptoms and when testing may be relevant

The test may be relevant following potential blood-borne exposure, in cases of past risk exposure, or if you wish to obtain a laboratory result as a basis for further follow-up.

Hepatitis C often presents no early symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include fatigue, nausea, discomfort under the right rib cage, dark urine, or jaundice.

An infection can exist without clear symptoms. Therefore, the test result and the time elapsed since potential exposure must be assessed together.

Who is this test for?

• For those who may have been exposed to blood.
• For those who want to check for HCV antibodies.
• For those who want to take the test at home and receive the result digitally.

How the test works

1. Order the test and receive a discreet sampling kit at home.
2. Read the instructions carefully.
3. Prick your fingertip and collect liquid capillary blood in the sample tube.
4. Label, pack, and send the sample to the laboratory.
5. The laboratory analyzes the specified infection markers.
6. View the result digitally in your personal health portal.

Before sampling

Follow the instructions in the sample collection kit. The timing relative to a potential exposure is important, as an infection may be too recent to detect. In the event of recent exposure, symptoms, or continued suspicion, a new sample or contact with a healthcare provider may be necessary.

Laboratory and quality

The sample is analyzed at a medical laboratory accredited according to ISO 15189. The laboratory's quality assurance also adheres to Rili-BÄK guidelines for laboratory medical testing.

• Sample material: liquid capillary blood
• Sample collection site: at home
• Result: digital laboratory report
• Turnaround time: transport time and the scope of the analysis affect the total time

Results and follow-up

The result is displayed digitally, accompanied by the laboratory's information. A reactive or positive screening result requires assessment and, if necessary, confirmation by a healthcare professional. A negative result does not always rule out a very recently acquired infection.

Important

Seek medical attention immediately for individual advice following a situation with a significant risk of infection, especially if preventive treatment may be time-critical. The test does not replace medical assessment or treatment.

Frequently asked questions

What does the hepatitis C test measure?

It measures antibodies against the hepatitis C virus.

Do antibodies mean the infection is active?

Not necessarily. A reactive antibody test requires follow-up with additional analysis within the healthcare system.

When can I get tested after exposure?

Follow the laboratory's current information regarding the correct timing for testing. Testing too early may yield a negative result despite an infection.

Can hepatitis C be asymptomatic?

Yes, the infection can persist for a long time without clear symptoms.

What should I do if the result is reactive?

Contact a healthcare provider for confirmatory testing, assessment, and information about treatment.

Is the result automatically reported to a government agency or health center?

The result is not automatically sent to a government agency or health center. The sample is processed by the laboratory, and the result is displayed in your personal health portal in accordance with the service’s procedures for handling health and personal data.