The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have told your doctor that, "anyone who wishes to know or is concerned regarding their HCV infection status should be provided the opportunity for counseling, testing, and appropriate follow-up."
What does that mean?
- If you want the test, you should be able to get it just by asking—you don't need to give a reason.
- If you want information before testing, you should be able to get it.
- After your test results are in, they should be explained to you along with a plan for your future health.
If your primary care doctor ordered your hepatitis C test, ask about referral to a GI (gastrointestinal) specialist or hepatologist (liver expert) if it is positive for hepatitis C. Your doctor can explain why these physicians are the right specialists for your condition.
View the risk assessment checklist, to get more information about who health experts believe should get tested, but remember that 30% of people who have chronic hepatitis C don't know how they got it.
Want a reason to get tested? Here's a good one:
Studies have found that patients with hepatitis C who are younger and those who have less advanced liver disease
may respond better to treatment.
There's a risk to those close to you if you have hepatitis C and don't know it. There are many ways to spread hepatitis C, including through personal care items (such as a razor or toothbrush) or a household accident that brings anyone into contact with your blood.
So you owe it to yourself and your loved ones to get tested and find out about all of your treatment options.
Read on for more information about testing:
Are You at Risk?
How Is Hepatitis C Diagnosed?
Who Tests for and Treats Hepatitis C?
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Physician Locators
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