Yes, in many cases additional testing is required for an accurate hepatitis C diagnosis.
SwabTest offers a hepatitis C test that detects antibodies to the hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV). These antibodies may be detected 1-2 weeks after exposure, but are generally not detected until 8-11 weeks post-exposure, and can be longer in individuals that lack an adequate immune response.
A reactive result indicates that anti-HCV antibodies were detected in the specimen tested. This result is consistent with a current hepatitis C infection, or a past infection that has resolved, or a biologic false positivity for anti-HCV. Follow up testing for hepatitis C nucleic acid (RNA) is required to identify a current infection. Hepatitis C nucleic acid testing is not currently offered by SwabTest.
A negative result indicates that no anti-HCV antibodies were detected in the specimen tested. If recent exposure to hepatitis C is suspected, testing for hepatitis C nucleic acid (RNA) is recommended.