What to Consider Before Being Tested for Hepatitis C

Before you have a test for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, your doctor will probably give you information about:

Ways that a person can become infected with hepatitis C, including behaviors or exposures that might not have occurred very often or that occurred many years ago.
How the test is performed and what the test results mean.
What hepatitis C and chronic liver disease are.
The benefits of detecting hepatitis C infection early.
What types of medical treatment are available.
Possible adverse consequences of testing positive for hepatitis C infection, including disrupted personal relationships and possible discrimination, such as loss of employment, insurance, and educational opportunities.

Credits

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	W. Thomas London, MD - Hepatology
Last Revised	July 6, 2011

By:

Healthwise Staff

Last Revised: July 6, 2011

Medical Review:

E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
W. Thomas London, MD - Hepatology

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.