The Importance of Testing for Hep C

There’s Harm in Waiting to Get Tested

Not sure if you’ve been exposed to Hep C? Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all adults ages 18 and over get tested.

Testing and treatment of Hep C is critical, because people can live without symptoms for years or even decades.
Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Left untreated, Hep C can cause liver damage, liver cancer, and even death.
Getting tested is the first step toward getting cured of Hep C.

A Decade of Rising Hep C Rates

New Hep C infections increased in the U.S. by an estimated 6x between 2010 and 2020

A graph showing the estimated increases in new Hep C infections between 2010 and 2020

The Hep C Test Is Simple, but You May Have to Ask for It

The one-time blood test for Hep C is covered by most private health insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare plans. Talk to your healthcare professional to see if you’re covered.

Here’s a simple guide to help you remember to A.S.K. for the Hep C test:

Ask in advance

Call your healthcare professional before your next appointment to have the Hep C test added to your lab order.

Speak with your healthcare professional

Be clear about why you want to be tested. Download, print, and bring the Doctor Discussion Guide to your appointment, so that you can get your questions answered.

Know for sure

Getting tested is the only way to know for sure if you have Hep C. If you do have Hep C, it can be cured.

Cure means the Hep C virus is not detected in the blood when measured 3 months after treatment is completed.

FIND A HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL

SEE A TREATMENT OPTION

Hep C Testing