Skip to content
Uncategorized — Commonly — Syringes — Instructions — Hepatitis — Hepatitisc — Screenings — Liver

Should You Undergo Screening for Hepatitis C? A Resounding Affirmative Response

If You're Wondering About Hepatitis C Screening, the Response Is Affirmative

,   and  Administrator
3 min read
Should You Undergo a Hepatitis C Test? The Affirmative Response Is Indeed Yes
Should You Undergo a Hepatitis C Test? The Affirmative Response Is Indeed Yes

Should You Undergo Screening for Hepatitis C? A Resounding Affirmative Response

Rewritten Article:

Hey there! You might be thinking, "Do I really need to get that hepatitis C test?" Let's dive into it.

First, what the heck is hepatitis C (hep C)? Simple! It's a viral infection causing liver inflammation that can cause severe damage over time. Surprisingly, it's the most common bloodborne infection in the United States.

Hep C comes from the hepatitis C virus (HCV), which mainly spreads through exposure to infected blood. In the U.S, the most common way people catch hep C is sharing injection needles—but it can also be transmitted through unprotected sex, reused tattoo equipment, or even sharing personal care items with blood on them.

Now, you might be thinking, "Should I get tested for hep C?"

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises testing all adults at least once in their lives. So, if you're 18 or older, the answer is a big, fat YES!

There's no vaccine for hep C, which can be confusing since there are vaccines for other types of hepatitis. So, if you thought you'd be protected because of a vaccination earlier in life, I've got bad news—no hep C vaccine was available back then.

Approximately half of the people who catch hep C develop a chronic infection, so if you test positive, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional about treatment options.

If you have any risk factors, more frequent testing is recommended.

Testing Frequency Depending on Risk Factors:

  • If you're pregnant or HIV-positive, testing is essential.
  • If you've ever shared needles, syringes, or other injection equipment, you should get tested more than once.
  • If you were born to an HCV-positive mother or have certain medical conditions, talk to your doctor to determine the appropriate testing frequency.
  • If you've received a blood transfusion or organ transplant before July 1992 or have been informed that your donor was HCV-positive, testing is crucial.
  • If you've been exposed to HCV-positive blood through your job, consult a healthcare professional to discuss testing and frequency.

If you're not sure about what's best for you, speak with a healthcare professional. They'll help you decide.

Testing Methods:

Finding out if you have hep C starts with a simple blood test called the HCV antibody test. This can be done at your primary care doctor's office, public health clinic, or with an at-home testing kit.

To locate an HCV testing clinic near you, visit the CDC's GetTested website and enter your zip code. This tool will help you find testing or free testing options in nearby locations.

At-home test kits generally cost between $50 and $100. They include all necessary equipment and instructions for collecting a small blood sample and sending it off for testing. Test results are typically available in 2 to 5 business days with most kits. Some popular at-home testing options include Everlywell, Let'sGetChecked, myLAB Box, and iDNA.

Interpreting Test Results:

HCV test results can seem complex, but they're really straightforward. Your test result can either be "positive" or "negative."

A "non-reactive" HCV antibody test result means you don't have HCV. Conversely, a "reactive" result indicates that either you currently have HCV or have had it in the past. If you've had hep C before, you'll always have the antibodies, regardless of whether treatment has cleared the infection.

If your test result is reactive, you'll need an additional test, called the HCV RNA test, to confirm whether you currently have an active infection. If the result is negative, it indicates that the virus has been cleared, or the HCV antibody test may have been inaccurate. A positive result means that you currently have HCV and should seek medical advice promptly for treatment.

So, remember, hep C may not produce symptoms, but it can silently damage your liver. Getting tested gives you the knowledge you need to look after yourself in the future. Testing is recommended once for all adults over 18, and more frequently if you have risk factors. If you're unsureabout your testing frequency, consult a healthcare professional. Take charge of your health!

  1. Hepatitis C (HCV) is the most common bloodborne infection in the United States, causing liver inflammation and potentially severe damage over time.
  2. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises testing all adults at least once in their lives, and if you're 18 or older, it's essential to get tested for hep C.
  3. Approximately half of the people who catch hep C develop a chronic infection, so if you test positive, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for treatment options.
  4. For at-home testing, popular options include Everlywell, Let'sGetChecked, myLAB Box, and iDNA, and they provide clear instructions for collecting a blood sample and receiving results within 2 to 5 business days.

Read also:

    Related

    Latest