FAQs Plus

Am I at risk of HCV (1)

Where ever possible we encourage you to visit a GP or medical facility where a RNA PCR type test can be conducted, this is the definitive single test that can lead to diagnosis and treatment. Where this is not possible, or you do not wish to engage with medical people or practice, you can use the Health Network Collective app to request an antibody Point of Care Test (POCT) by one of our community testers. That is, where the service is available. In the event your antibody POCT test is positive you will need another RNA PCR test, either finger prick or venous blood sample, to have a definitive diagnosis and get linked to treatment.

HCV Treatment (2)

Where ever possible we encourage you to visit a GP or medical facility where a RNA PCR type test can be conducted, this is the definitive single test that can lead to diagnosis and treatment. Where this is not possible, or you do not wish to engage with medical people or practice, you can use the Health Network Collective app to request an antibody Point of Care Test (POCT) by one of our community testers. That is, where the service is available. In the event your antibody POCT test is positive you will need another RNA PCR test, either finger prick or venous blood sample, to have a definitive diagnosis and get linked to treatment.

A Hepatitis C RNA test (sometimes called a PCR test), is a laboratory based test using either a large “finger prick” sample of blood or venous blood sample detecting whether the Hepatitis C virus is present in the blood stream or not. A positive test indicates the virus is present and indicates treatment is required.

RNA PCR testing is (in general terms) a quantitative test measuring viral load, or if the virus is present in the blood sample.

Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is a molecule that is present in the majority of living organisms and viruses. It is made up of nucleotides, which are ribose sugars attached to nitrogenous bases and phosphate groups.

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a method widely used to make millions to billions of copies of a specific DNA sample rapidly, allowing scientists to amplify a very small sample of DNA (or a part of it) sufficiently to enable detailed study.

RNA PCR testing is, where possible, our preferred test as it involves only a single test. For this you will need to speak to your health professional or contact your local laboratory service to check on availability.

Hepatitis C (HCV) Testing (3)

Where ever possible we encourage you to visit a GP or medical facility where a RNA PCR type test can be conducted, this is the definitive single test that can lead to diagnosis and treatment. Where this is not possible, or you do not wish to engage with medical people or practice, you can use the Health Network Collective app to request an antibody Point of Care Test (POCT) by one of our community testers. That is, where the service is available. In the event your antibody POCT test is positive you will need another RNA PCR test, either finger prick or venous blood sample, to have a definitive diagnosis and get linked to treatment.

We encourage everyone to get at least one test in their lifetime, and sooner rather than later. If you are engaged in any at risk activity we recommend you get tested every 6 months to yearly. Such activities include sharing drug taking equipment (including utensils used for snorting drugs), unprotected sexual activities with multiple or different partners, tattoos with questionable hygiene or equipment, possible medical contamination or questionable medical procedures (such as developing countries medical facilities where contamination may be possible). If your in doubt get a test. Easy.

A Hepatitis C RNA test (sometimes called a PCR test), is a laboratory based test using either a large “finger prick” sample of blood or venous blood sample detecting whether the Hepatitis C virus is present in the blood stream or not. A positive test indicates the virus is present and indicates treatment is required.

RNA PCR testing is (in general terms) a quantitative test measuring viral load, or if the virus is present in the blood sample.

Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is a molecule that is present in the majority of living organisms and viruses. It is made up of nucleotides, which are ribose sugars attached to nitrogenous bases and phosphate groups.

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a method widely used to make millions to billions of copies of a specific DNA sample rapidly, allowing scientists to amplify a very small sample of DNA (or a part of it) sufficiently to enable detailed study.

RNA PCR testing is, where possible, our preferred test as it involves only a single test. For this you will need to speak to your health professional or contact your local laboratory service to check on availability.

Hepatitis C Signs & Symptoms (1)

Where ever possible we encourage you to visit a GP or medical facility where a RNA PCR type test can be conducted, this is the definitive single test that can lead to diagnosis and treatment. Where this is not possible, or you do not wish to engage with medical people or practice, you can use the Health Network Collective app to request an antibody Point of Care Test (POCT) by one of our community testers. That is, where the service is available. In the event your antibody POCT test is positive you will need another RNA PCR test, either finger prick or venous blood sample, to have a definitive diagnosis and get linked to treatment.

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) (1)

Where ever possible we encourage you to visit a GP or medical facility where a RNA PCR type test can be conducted, this is the definitive single test that can lead to diagnosis and treatment. Where this is not possible, or you do not wish to engage with medical people or practice, you can use the Health Network Collective app to request an antibody Point of Care Test (POCT) by one of our community testers. That is, where the service is available. In the event your antibody POCT test is positive you will need another RNA PCR test, either finger prick or venous blood sample, to have a definitive diagnosis and get linked to treatment.

PCR RNA Test (3)

Where ever possible we encourage you to visit a GP or medical facility where a RNA PCR type test can be conducted, this is the definitive single test that can lead to diagnosis and treatment. Where this is not possible, or you do not wish to engage with medical people or practice, you can use the Health Network Collective app to request an antibody Point of Care Test (POCT) by one of our community testers. That is, where the service is available. In the event your antibody POCT test is positive you will need another RNA PCR test, either finger prick or venous blood sample, to have a definitive diagnosis and get linked to treatment.

We encourage everyone to get at least one test in their lifetime, and sooner rather than later. If you are engaged in any at risk activity we recommend you get tested every 6 months to yearly. Such activities include sharing drug taking equipment (including utensils used for snorting drugs), unprotected sexual activities with multiple or different partners, tattoos with questionable hygiene or equipment, possible medical contamination or questionable medical procedures (such as developing countries medical facilities where contamination may be possible). If your in doubt get a test. Easy.

A Hepatitis C RNA test (sometimes called a PCR test), is a laboratory based test using either a large “finger prick” sample of blood or venous blood sample detecting whether the Hepatitis C virus is present in the blood stream or not. A positive test indicates the virus is present and indicates treatment is required.

RNA PCR testing is (in general terms) a quantitative test measuring viral load, or if the virus is present in the blood sample.

Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is a molecule that is present in the majority of living organisms and viruses. It is made up of nucleotides, which are ribose sugars attached to nitrogenous bases and phosphate groups.

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a method widely used to make millions to billions of copies of a specific DNA sample rapidly, allowing scientists to amplify a very small sample of DNA (or a part of it) sufficiently to enable detailed study.

RNA PCR testing is, where possible, our preferred test as it involves only a single test. For this you will need to speak to your health professional or contact your local laboratory service to check on availability.

Point of Care Test (POCT) (3)

Where ever possible we encourage you to visit a GP or medical facility where a RNA PCR type test can be conducted, this is the definitive single test that can lead to diagnosis and treatment. Where this is not possible, or you do not wish to engage with medical people or practice, you can use the Health Network Collective app to request an antibody Point of Care Test (POCT) by one of our community testers. That is, where the service is available. In the event your antibody POCT test is positive you will need another RNA PCR test, either finger prick or venous blood sample, to have a definitive diagnosis and get linked to treatment.

We encourage everyone to get at least one test in their lifetime, and sooner rather than later. If you are engaged in any at risk activity we recommend you get tested every 6 months to yearly. Such activities include sharing drug taking equipment (including utensils used for snorting drugs), unprotected sexual activities with multiple or different partners, tattoos with questionable hygiene or equipment, possible medical contamination or questionable medical procedures (such as developing countries medical facilities where contamination may be possible). If your in doubt get a test. Easy.

A Hepatitis C RNA test (sometimes called a PCR test), is a laboratory based test using either a large “finger prick” sample of blood or venous blood sample detecting whether the Hepatitis C virus is present in the blood stream or not. A positive test indicates the virus is present and indicates treatment is required.

RNA PCR testing is (in general terms) a quantitative test measuring viral load, or if the virus is present in the blood sample.

Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is a molecule that is present in the majority of living organisms and viruses. It is made up of nucleotides, which are ribose sugars attached to nitrogenous bases and phosphate groups.

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a method widely used to make millions to billions of copies of a specific DNA sample rapidly, allowing scientists to amplify a very small sample of DNA (or a part of it) sufficiently to enable detailed study.

RNA PCR testing is, where possible, our preferred test as it involves only a single test. For this you will need to speak to your health professional or contact your local laboratory service to check on availability.