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Who needs Hep C screening?
Everyone ages 18 to 79 needs to get tested for hepatitis C at least once. Many people who have hepatitis C live for years without feeling sick. But the virus can still damage your liver — even when there aren’t any symptoms. You could also spread the virus to others without knowing it.
Do doctors usually test for Hep C?
Blood tests are available that can identify the hepatitis C virus. When the virus is found, it may be necessary to take a small sample of liver tissue — a procedure called a liver biopsy — or have other tests done to determine the severity of liver damage.
Can someone with hep C work in food service?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , there’s no reason to exclude people with hepatitis C from any type of job. This includes individuals who work with children, food, and other services. The only exception is if the job poses a risk of blood-to-blood contact.
What is hepatitis screening test?
Hepatitis screening involves testing a small sample of blood for antigens and antibodies to determine whether the individual has been infected with viral hepatitis. Antigens are foreign substances, such as microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, fungi, parasites, viruses) or chemicals, which invade the body.
Why would my dr order a hep C test?
People can live without symptoms or feeling sick, so testing is the only way to know if you have hepatitis C. Getting tested is important to find out if you are infected so you can get lifesaving treatment that can cure hepatitis C.
How much does a hep C test cost?
How much does a hepatitis C screening cost? Hepatitis C screening is covered by most insurance plans. You may have an out-of-pocket copay. If you don’t have insurance, each blood test will cost around $100 or more.
Can you test positive for hep C and not have it?
Some people have antibodies associated with the virus in their blood but do not have an active hepatitis C infection. These antibodies can lead to false-positive results on blood tests for an active infection. A person can have hepatitis C for a number of years, or sometimes decades, without experiencing any symptoms.
Do I have to tell my employer I have hep C?
Answer: People are not required by law to disclose their health information to their employers, unions, or co-workers, including if they have hepatitis C or in treatment for hepatitis C.
Can an employer ask if you have hepatitis?
According to federal law, an employer can’t ask if you have a disability (such as hepatitis B) or require you to undergo a medical exam before offering you a job.
Can you have Hep C antibodies and not have hep C?
Why would my doctor order a Hep C antibody test?
A hepatitis C antibody test is used to find out if you are infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). When your body is infected with a virus, it produces antibodies to fight the virus. The hepatitis C antibody test looks for antibodies that the body produces in response to the presence of HCV.