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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.
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

Last Revised: July 6, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & W. Thomas London, MD - Hepatology

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