Hepatitis Screening – CARES Outreach Services, Inc.

Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by the Hepatitis C virus (HCV). Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus. Today, most people become infected with the Hepatitis C virus by sharing needles or other equipment to inject drugs. For some people, hepatitis C is a short-term illness but for 70%–85% of people who become infected with Hepatitis C, it becomes a long-term, chronic infection. Chronic Hepatitis C is a serious disease than can result in long-term health problems, even death. The majority of infected persons might not be aware of their infection because they are not clinically ill. There is no vaccine for Hepatitis C. The best way to prevent Hepatitis C is by avoiding behaviors that can spread the disease, especially injecting drugs.

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.