Should I Get Tested for Hepatitis C?

The Centre of Disease Control recommends the following at risk groups consider being tested for hepatitis C:

  • Adults born during 1945 through 1965 (no prior ascertainment of HCV risk needed)
  • Anyone who currently injects drugs or who has ever injected drugs, even once or many years ago
  • Anyone who has the following medical conditions, including:
    • received clotting factor concentrates produced before 1987
    • was ever on long-term hemodialysis
    • persistently abnormal ALT ◊ HIV infection
  • Anyone who has received a transfusion of blood, blood components, or an organ transplant before July 1992
  • Healthcare, emergency medical, and public safety workers after needlesticks, sharps, or mucosal exposures to HCV-positive blood
  • Children born to HCV-positive women
  • Testing should be initiated with anti-HCV. A reactive result should be followed 

The following is helpful information for Hepatitis C positive patients: 

Patient Handout

If you fall into any of these groups or have questions about Hepatitis C testing please book an appointment. 

Enjoy the weekend, 

-  The Antigonish Medical Clinic

Charlotte Gallant