Test Quick Guide

Hepatitis C is a viral disease triggered by an infection of the hepatitis C virus (HCV). If not recognized or treated, it can escalate into a chronic condition causing inflammation and possible liver damage. There are often no symptoms, so hepatitis C testing is critical. Screening will help determine HCV from other hepatitis causes, including hepatitis A and hepatitis B. An HCV antibody test can detect if you have been infected. It looks for antibodies to HCV in the blood. If you are 18 or older, it is a good idea to get screened at least once for Hepatitis C. Testing is also recommended during pregnancy or if you have risk factors for HCV infection. Because acute hepatitis C often has no symptoms, screening is an important way to diagnose hepatitis C before it causes liver damage.

Purpose of the test

The purpose of hepatitis C testing is to determine if you have been infected by HCV and to guide your treatment. HCV is found in your blood and other body fluids if you have this infection. Hepatitis C is the most common form of viral hepatitis in Dubai HCV infections are classified as acute or chronic. A doctor may order hepatitis C testing for screening, diagnosis, and to guide and monitor treatment.

• Acute hepatitis C: This occurs in the first six months after you are exposed to the virus. Early in the illness, acute hepatitis C is mild and may cause no symptoms. For this reason, most people do not know they have this infection. In about one-quarter of patients, the immune system fights off the HCV infection and the virus is cleared from the body.
• Chronic hepatitis C: If your body isn’t able to fight off the virus, you will develop this. Progression from acute to chronic hepatitis C is common, occurring in about 75% to 85% of patients. Diagnosing chronic hepatitis C as early as possible is important because prompt treatment can prevent complications linked to this condition, including liver disease, liver failure, and liver cancer.
• Hepatitis C antibody (anti-HCV) test: Antibodies are a part of the body’s response to an infection. Testing for hepatitis C antibodies determines whether or not you have been exposed to HCV at some point in your life. If this test is positive, the next step is to test for hepatitis C RNA which can tell you if you have a current infection.
• Hepatitis C RNA test: RNA is a type of genetic material from HCV that can be detected in the blood. If test results are positive after an antibody test, doctors use an RNA test to look for and/or measure the amount of the virus in the blood. Qualitative tests can detect the presence of HCV RNA, while quantitative tests measure the amount of HCV RNA. Understanding the amount of HCV in the blood helps monitor treatment response.

Why Choose Cosmocare Medical Center?

At Cosmocare Medical Center, we are dedicated to providing high-quality, confidential Hepatitis C Testing Services in dubai. Our team of experienced healthcare professionals ensures that you receive accurate results and comprehensive care. We also offer at-home Hepatitis C Testing Services for your convenience and privacy.

Who should get testing?

Many people with STDs are asymptomatic or experience only mild symptoms of infection. Without testing, people infected with STDs may unknowingly spread the infection to others. STDs can lead to serious health complications, so appropriate STD screening and diagnosis is a major public health concern.

The goal of screening for STDs is to identify and treat people with infections before they develop complications and spread diseases to others. Additionally, screening attempts to identify, test, and treat the sexual partners of people diagnosed with STDs to prevent the continued spread of the infection.

While all sexually active people are at risk for STDs, not everyone needs to be screened for each STD. Screening focuses on people who are at a high risk of becoming infected due to factors such as age, gender, health history, number of sexual partners, and sexual behavior. Doctors can assess an individual’s personal risk factors and determine the most appropriate testing strategy. Below is a brief overview of common STD screening recommendations:

• Adults and adolescents: Everyone from ages 13 to 64 should be tested for HIV at least once or more as needed based on risk level.
• Sexually active women: All sexually active women under 25 years old should be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia at least every year. This recommendation also applies to women 25 years and older at an increased risk of STDs due to new or multiple sexual partners, or a partner who has been diagnosed with an STD.
• Pregnant women: During pregnancy, women should be tested for syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis B. Pregnant women with additional risk factors should also be tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea.
• Sexually active gay and bisexual men: Men in this group should be tested at least once a year for syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. Those with multiple or anonymous partners should be tested more frequently, such as every three or six months. This group may also benefit from more frequent HIV testing.
• Unsafe sex and injectable drug users: Anyone who shares injection drug equipment or has sex without protection such as a condom should be tested for HIV at least once a year.