Incite Health offers the Ortho HCV version 3.0 ELISA tests to screen individuals for Hepatitis C. The test detects antibodies to three HCV viral antigens: c-22-3, c200 and NS5.
Ortho HCV Performance Criteria Specificity 99.95%; Sensitivity 100%
Sample Requirement:
Gel-barrier Gold top SST, 6mL volume, or whole blood, no additive, Red Cap tube, 7 mL volume.
Product Handling:
Ambient shipment. Whole blood 24 hours post draw; 10 day stability at 2-8°C, 4 week stability at -80°C.
Universal Hep C screening is recommended for ALL adults aged 18 or older, and for ALL pregnant women during each pregnancy, except in settings where the prevalence of HCV infection is below 0.1% of the population.
In addition, HCV testing is highly recommended for:
Individuals with HIV.
Current or past drug abusers.
Individuals with certain medical conditions including: persistent abnormal ALT levels, and those receiving hemodialysis.
Children born to mothers with HCV.
Patients who have, or who are scheduled to receive transfusions or organ donations:
Transfusion of blood or blood components prior to July 1992.
Clotting factor components prior to 1987.
Organ transplants before July 1992.
Recipients of blood or organ donations from individuals who subsequently tested positive for HCV.
Healthcare providers and emergency responders, and clinical laboratory technicians (1992 OSHA bloodborne pathogen standard).
Between 3 and 5 million Americans are estimated to have been exposed to HCV, and as many as 50% do not even know they have Hepatitis C infection.
You can contract HCV and not even know it. Many infected individuals do not display symptoms but the virus can settle silently for years resulting in chronic Hepatitis C infection that can lead to cirrhosis and advanced liver disease.
The test is easy and quick.
Knowing you are positive for HCV means you can protect your friends and family.
There are now effective cures for HepC, especially when used soon after infection.
Early detection and treatment can help prevent liver cancer and liver failure down the road. Untreated, HCV has disastrous effects:
of HCV patients will develop chronic liver disease.
of HCV patients will develop liver cirrhosis.
will die from liver cancer or liver failure.
