What to consider before being tested for hepatitis C

Before you have a test for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, your doctor should give you information about:¹

• 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.

Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: August 27, 2007
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine W. Thomas London, MD - Hepatology
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