HCV testing is recommended for selected groups of people based on age, prior exposure to HCV, history of high-risk behaviors, and medical conditions. Many of the key factors in determining if you are at risk, or even illegible for the testing are as follows:
- Injection drug use (current or past) where needles, syringes, or other equipment that comes in contact with blood is shared.
- Working in a healthcare setting and having a needlestick injury involving exposure to blood from someone with an HCV infection.
- Being born to a mother who is infected with HCV.
- Having a blood transfusion or a solid organ transplant before July 1992.
- Receiving blood or an organ from a donor who was positive for HCV.
- Having an HIV infection.
- Sharing personal care items, such as razor or toothbrush, that have come in contact with the blood of someone who is infected with HCV.
- Having a tattoo in an unregulated setting.
- Having sex with a person who is infected with HCV.
If you have had any of the listed exposures you could be at risk, and should be tested on a three month basis. Please feel free to contact for any additional information.