Hepatitis C Testing
Hepatitis C is an infection of the liver that results from the Hepatitis C Virus. Most people who become infected develop a chronic, or lifelong, infection. Over time, chronic Hepatitis C can cause serious health problems including liver disease, liver failure, and even liver cancer. There is no vaccine for Hepatitis C.
Most people with Hepatitis C do not have symptoms and do not know they are infected. Symptoms of a chronic Hepatitis C infection can take decades to develop. When symptoms appear with chronic Hepatitis C, they often are a sign of advanced liver disease.
The only way to know if you have Hepatitis C is to get tested. The rapid test used by the Grundy County Health Department requires a fingerstick to collect a blood sample. Test results are known in 20-40 minutes. A positive Hepatitis C Antibody Test means that a person has been infected with the virus. Additional testing is necessary if the antibody is present.
Testing is recommended for certain groups, including people who:
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were born from 1945-1965
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received donated blood or organs before 1992
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have ever injected drugs, even if it was just one time years ago
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have certain medical conditions such as liver disease and HIV
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have abnormal liver tests or liver disease
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have been exposed to blood from a person who has Hepatitis C
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are on hemodialysis
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are born to a mother with Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C testing is available by appointment. The cost for the test is $20 and is not billable to insurance.