Hepatitis C is a disease of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), currently there is not a vaccine to help prevent infection. A person contracts HCV through direct contact with the blood of an infected person. Many people experience no symptoms of Hepatitis C, and may be unaware of the infection. Tests may detect HVC in the blood one or two weeks after infection from the virus.

There is a series of blood tests to determine if a person is infected with the HVC virus. The initial test is Anti-HCV (antibody to HCV); a person with the antibody may be tested for the presence of the virus (HCV RNA), and the amount or titer of the virus. If the Anti-HCV is confirmed positive, the next step is to measure the level of ALT (alanine aminotransferase, a liver enzyme) in the blood. If ALT is elevated, it indicates inflammation of the liver and further testing is necessary to determine possible treatment for chronic (long-term) liver disease, although a person can have a normal enzyme level and still have chronic liver disease.

When should you consider testing for the Hepatitis C virus? You should consider testing if you ever injected an illegal drug, received notification that you received blood from an infected donor, if you received a blood transfusion before July 1992, if you are a long-term hemodialysis patient, or you have signs or symptoms of liver disease. If your child was born to an HCV-positive mother, you should test for HCV after your child is 18 months old. If you are a healthcare worker, you may need periodic testing for several months after exposure to needle sticks or splashes to the eye, from HCV-positive patients.

If you have tested positive for HCV do not donate your blood, your organs, or any other tissue, or semen to others. Avoid sharing your personal items such as toothbrushes, razors, or nail-grooming equipment because they may have gotten your blood on them. Keep your cuts and sores covered to avoid spreading the disease. Never share or reuse syringes, water, or drug works and get vaccinated against hepatitis A and hepatitis B.

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