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Test for Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is an infection of your liver. An infection occurs as a result of becoming infected with a hepatitis virus. You receive HCV when you come into contact with contaminated blood, such as needle sharing. HCV can cause inflammation of your liver. If you develop chronic HCV, you can possibly develop liver damage, cirrhosis, liver failure or liver cancer. According to the Mayo Clinic, some cases of HCV may not be detected until you undergo a routine medical test.

  1. Screening

    • It is recommended that if you're at a risk for getting HCV, that you be screened for the disease. It is especially important to get an early test, since the disease can begin to destroy your liver before you will even experience symptoms. According to the Mayo Clinic, it is recommended that you get an HCV screening if you inject illicit drugs, had a blood transfusion prior to 1992, if you're a health-care worker who was accidentally pricked with a needle or if you've had a sexual partner whose been diagnosed with HCV. If you're concerned that you may have HCV due to exposure to blood that you believe to be contaminated, you should also receive a screening.

    Enzyme-Level Checking

    • When you develop HCV, your liver enzyme levels will fluctuate. It is even possible to have the disease and have a normal enzyme level. If you are diagnosed with HCV, it is recommended to receive regular testing. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, even if your levels are normal, it is important to receive enzyme-level tests many times over a course of 6 to 12 months. It is important to have your enzyme levels checked to ensure that these levels don't become high enough to start causing damage to your liver.

    Blood Tests

    • Blood tests can be ordered to check if you have HCV antibodies. When you develop an antibody, the antibody is released into your system as a response to an invading virus. If you receive a positive result with your first test, your physician will have you undergo an additional blood test to confirm a diagnosis. A blood test can also measure the amount of HCV in your system, as well as determine the type of hepatitis you're suffering from.

    Liver Biopsy

    • In some cases of testing for HCV, a liver biopsy will be performed. When you undergo a biopsy, your physician will insert a needle into your liver through your abdomen. To ensure that your physician locates your liver precisely, they may use an ultrasound or computerized tomography. Once your physician has determined the exact location of your liver, a small ink mark is drawn on the location. An incision is made, and the needle is inserted. A sample is then taken from your liver. The biopsy is then examined within a slide under a microscope to determine the presence of HCV, and if any liver damage is present.

    Prevention

    • In order to avoid getting HCV or even spreading the disease, it is important to take a few precautionary measures. Never use needles that are used by others. If you get a tattoo or piercing, always make sure that the tattoo parlor uses sterilized needles. In rare instances, HCV can be transmitted via sexual intercourse. Always practice safe sex and try to maintain a monogamous relationship. If you have HCV, let your sexual partners become aware of your disease.

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