By most objective measures, implementing universal screening in baby boomers has been suboptimal. In the estimation of many experts, it has been a failure. This failure is frustrating because the end zone — eradication of HCV altogether — feels tangible in the DAA era. But despite the setbacks, talk of universal screening for HCV persists.
This is in PDF format and printable. Take it with you when you see your doctor if there are any questions on current testing.
Another one for those with a Healio account. More physicians are promoting the new CDC testing guidelines. This is good for everyone. If you know someone that hasn't been tested, tell them to go and get it done. The number of people with Hep C and don't know it, is huge!
Talk with your healthcare provider about being tested if any of the following are true for you.
If you:
Wish to be tested
Were born between 1945 and 1965
Have ever used a needle to inject drugs, even if once and long ago
Had a blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1992
Are a health care worker who had blood exposure to mucous membranes or to non-intact skin, or a needlestick injury
Were on long-term kidney dialysis
Were born of a mother who had hepatitis C at the time
Are a Vietnam-era Veteran
Had contact with hepatitis-C-positive blood to non-intact skin or to mucous membranes
Have tattoos or body piercings in non-regulated settings
Have ever snorted drugs or shared equipment
Have liver disease or abnormal liver function test
Have a history of alcohol abuse
Have hemophilia and received clotting factor before 1987
Have had a sexual partner with Hepatitis C, now or in the past
Have had 10 or more lifetime sexual partners
Have HIV infection
If you are at risk for hepatitis C, you should consider getting tested. You have to get blood tests to find out if you have HCV because the symptoms of hepatitis C infection often are very mild. In fact, you may not have any symptoms at all.
If you are diagnosed with hepatitis C, you can begin to get the health care and support you need. You will need to learn how to take care of your liver and yourself. You will also need to learn how to avoid giving the virus to others. Because it stays in your body, you can give the hepatitis C virus to others (such as family members and sexual partners).
By most objective measures, implementing universal screening in baby boomers has been suboptimal. In the estimation of many experts, it has been a failure. This failure is frustrating because the end zone — eradication of HCV altogether — feels tangible in the DAA era. But despite the setbacks, talk of universal screening for HCV persists.
Challenges of Screening
This Healio/HCV Next article may require registration. If asked, it's an excellent resource that I recommend highly.
The 2017 CDC Testing Guidelines for HCV
HCV Testing: CDC 2017
This is in PDF format and printable. Take it with you when you see your doctor if there are any questions on current testing.
Another one for those with a Healio account. More physicians are promoting the new CDC testing guidelines. This is good for everyone. If you know someone that hasn't been tested, tell them to go and get it done. The number of people with Hep C and don't know it, is huge!
Physicians & CDC
Should I get tested?
HEPATITIS C
Talk with your healthcare provider about being tested if any of the following are true for you.
If you:
If you are at risk for hepatitis C, you should consider getting tested. You have to get blood tests to find out if you have HCV because the symptoms of hepatitis C infection often are very mild. In fact, you may not have any symptoms at all.
If you are diagnosed with hepatitis C, you can begin to get the health care and support you need. You will need to learn how to take care of your liver and yourself. You will also need to learn how to avoid giving the virus to others. Because it stays in your body, you can give the hepatitis C virus to others (such as family members and sexual partners).
Veteran and Public Information:
US Veterans Affairs Hep C Information
Center for Disease Control 2017 Guidelines