Should I be Tested for Hepatitis C?

If you, or any of your close family have been in any of the high risk categories then the answer is yes. If you have been treated with blood products, or had a transfusion in the UK prior to 1991 then you should definitely be tested. If you have been treated abroad with blood products or had a transfusion you should most definitely get tested. Likewise if you have had dental or medical treatment and you are not absolutely certain of the sterility of the procedure, then consider testing. Don't forget that many ladies have been treated with anti-rhesus factor after childbirth, and this was a blood product in many cases.

If you have a tattoo or piercing or have had electrolysis more than five years ago, testing is recommended, particularly if it was done abroad. If you have ever used illegal intravenous drugs, regardless of when or where you should be tested. Needless to say, if you have the virus or antibodies to it, it makes good sense to consider having partners and children tested just in case. Equally, if one of your parents suffered liver failure or liver cancer testing would rule out the possibility of undetected Hepatitis C being passed on to you.

Testing makes good sense. It sets your mind at ease if you have a negative test, and could save your life and the lives of those around you if the test is positive. Any doctor can arrange a test. It requires only a tiny blood sample. If you have a murky past, come up with a convincing lie if need be, but get the test! Once upon a time the other option was to become a blood donor. All blood donations are checked, and they will tell you soon enough if you have a problem! If you don't, you have the satisfaction of helping others! The snag is that nowadays the questionnaire that you have to complete and sign before donation excludes just about anybody with an even slightly murky past, so this highly convenient system is now closed to many.

The big bonus of testing is that eventually it will lead to the eradication of the virus. People who know that they have the virus take sensible precautions to stop the virus spreading and eventually it dies out! Only those who have the virus without knowing can spread the disease. If in doubt, get the test!

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