Hepatitis C: Should You Get Tested?

Hepatitis C is a disease that harms your liver. It can cause serious health problems like liver disease, liver cancer, or even death. Many people do not know they have it because they don't feel sick.

Hepatitis C is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). This virus spreads through blood. You can get it from sharing drug needles, or from getting tattoos or piercings with tools that are not clean. You’re at risk if infected blood gets into your body.

Are you at risk?

If you are at risk, get tested. Most people with hepatitis C can be cured with medicine called DAAs (direct-acting antivirals). These medicines stop liver damage and keep the virus from spreading. Be sure to start treatment as soon as you find out you have hepatitis C.

When to get tested

You should get tested if you:

  • Are 18 years or older

  • Are pregnant

  • Were born to a mother with hepatitis C

  • Have injected illegal drugs, even once

  • Have shared needles, syringes, cotton, spoons, water, or other equipment for drug use

  • Have liver problems or abnormal liver tests

  • Received blood or had an organ transplant before 1992

  • Received clotting factors made before 1987

  • Had kidney dialysis

  • Have HIV

  • Have ever been in prison

  • Received blood from a donor who later tested positive for hepatitis C

You may need more tests if you are still at risk. People on dialysis should also be tested often.

Other reasons to get tested

Ask your doctor about getting tested if you:

  • May have touched infected blood at work

  • Had sex without a condom with someone who might have hepatitis C

  • Shared personal items like a razor or toothbrush with someone who may have hepatitis C

  • Have tattoos or body piercings