What is Hepatitis C Virus?
Hepatitis C is an infection caused by a virus. The virus causes inflammation of the liver, which is swelling that occurs when the body's tissues are injured or infected. There are two types of Hepatits C: acute and chronic. Acute Hepatitis lasts only a few weeks to months. Chronic Hepatitis lasts longer than 6 months.Who Should be Tested?
Who should be tested for HCV infection?- All individuals born between 1945 through 1965
- Those who received/donated blood, blood products, or organ transplants before 1992
- All individuals with HIV infection
- People who have undergone dialysis
- Healthcare workers exposed to blood
- Individuals who got tattoos or body piercings under nonsterile conditions
- People who share equipment to snort or inhale drugs (e.g cocaine)
- People who inject drugs (PWID) past or current
- Individuals born to a mother with Hepatitis C infection
- People who participate in cultural practices such as bloodletting and male/female circumcision
- Those who were vaccinated in the past as part of a mass vaccination effort outside of the United States (eg, Egypt and India)
Evaluation and Treatment Options
How is Hepatitis C Diagnosed?The Hepatitis C Antibody Test detects whether your immune system has been exposed to Hepatitis C. If the Antibody test is positive, other tests will be needed to confirm diagnosis and treatment.
How is the Treatment Regimen Determined?
Treatment regimen is determined by genotype testing, lab values, diagnostic reports, and previous treatment. Genotype 1 is the most common in the United States. The genotype helps your provider determine the type and length of your treatment. In the United States, more than 3 out of 4 people who have Hepatitis C have genotype 1.