TESTING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HEPATITIS C VIRUS INFECTION
PERSONS FOR WHOM HCV TESTING IS RECOMMENDED
- Adults born from 1945 through 1965 should be tested once (without prior ascertainment of HCV risk factors)
- HCV testing is recommended for those who:
- Currently injecting drugs
- Ever injected drugs, including those who injected once or a few times many years ago
- Have certain medical conditions, including persons:
- who were ever on long-term hemodialysis
- with persistently abnormal alanine aminotransferase levels (ALT)
- who have HIV infection
- who received clotting factor concentrates produced before 1987
- Were prior recipients of transfusions or organ transplants, including persons who:
- were notified that they received blood from a donor who later tested positive for HCV infection
- received a transfusion of blood, blood components, or an organ transplant before July 1992
- HCV- testing based on a recognized exposure is recommended for:
- Healthcare, emergency medical, and public safety workers after needle sticks, sharps, or mucosal exposures to HCV-positive blood
- Children born to HCV-positive women
A simple blood test is needed to determine if you have been exposed to hepatitis C. Testing can be performed via rapid test or blood draw. HepC Alliance offers antibody and confirmatory testing free of charge. You can visit our office in Columbia, Missouri for a free rapid test or visit one the Missouri County Health Departments listed under the "Get Tested" tab for a complete blood draw. If your Hepatitis C Antibody test result is "reactive" (positive), a second blood test will be performed to find out if you have an active virus. Approximately 25% of the population spontaneously clears the virus. If you have an active virus you will need additional testing to determine which strain (or genotype) you have. HepC Alliance can assist you with these steps.
Easy as 1-2-3
1.Call toll-free and speak with a counselor at 1-844-770-7257 to learn more about hepatitis C and testing procedures.
2. Visit one of our 77 Reduced Cost testing centers.
3. Get a phone call when your test results are complete.
*If you are outside the state of Missouri, we can assist you. Please call our office for resource information.
ALL INFORMATION IS STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL
