Hepatitis C: Should You Get Tested?

When to get tested

Get tested if you:

• Are 18 years and 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 illegal drug equipment

• Have abnormal liver tests or liver disease

• Have received blood or had an organ transplant before 1992

• Have received clotting factors made before 1987

• Have ever had kidney dialysis

• Have tested positive for HIV

• Have ever been in prison

• Were notified that you were transfused blood from a donor who later tested positive for HCV infection

It is important that individuals continue to have periodic testing when risk factors persist. Additionally, individuals who have ongoing medical conditions like maintenance hemodialysis should continue to be tested for HCV on a routine basis.

Other possible risks

Ask your healthcare provider about getting tested if:

• You may have had contact with infected blood at your job.

• You’ve had sex without a condom with someone who may be infected.

• You’ve shared personal items, such as a toothbrush or a razor, with someone who may be infected.

• You have tattoos or body piercings.