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Hepatitis C screening

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Services are available at MinuteClinic (virtual care also available) and CVS Pharmacy®

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Most insurance accepted. Check your coverage or estimate the cost of your visit if you’re uninsured or prefer to pay out-of-pocket.

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Need to know more about hepatitis c screening test? We’ve got you covered.

When should hepatitis C screening be done?

Certain groups of people are at higher risk for transmission of the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Those who should be screened for hepatitis C include:

  • “Baby boomers” born between 1945 and 1965
  • Have (or have had) a sexual partner with hepatitis C
  • Have chronic liver disease, HIV or AIDS
  • Have tattoos or body piercings performed with unsterilized equipment
  • Health care worker and had a needlestick injury
  • Received an organ transplant or blood transfusion before 1992, or clotting factors before 1987
  • Used a needle to inject drugs or shared equipment
  • Were born to a mother with hepatitis C

What happens during hepatitis C screening?

The typical screening method for hepatitis C is the antibody test. Your immune system produces proteins called antibodies when harmful foreign microorganisms (pathogens) like bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses enter the body. Each 1 is tailored to fight a specific pathogen. The hepatitis C antibody test is a screening that looks for antibodies that are specific to hepatitis C in the bloodstream.

A positive result only indicates that you had exposure to the hepatitis C virus at some point in time. It does not show whether or not the infection is currently active. If the results of the hepatitis C screening come back positive, additional tests are needed to determine if the virus is active.

A negative result means no antibodies were detected. It could also be indeterminate. A negative reading can indicate that there is no infection, or the exposure was so recent that not enough antibodies have built up yet to be detectable. If you're in a high-risk group but tested negative, the test may be repeated to confirm that it was not a false negative.

Getting help

  1. You may have to answer a few questions about symptoms to help us prepare for your visit prior to scheduling your appointment.

  2. Check-in varies depending on how you scheduled your appointment:

    If you made your appointment online:
    Check in using the email or text message we sent to confirm your appointment. If you prefer to check in using the electronic kiosk, make sure you have your confirmation code.

    If you made your appointment in the clinic:
    Sign in at the electronic kiosk.

    If you made a MinuteClinic Virtual Care® appointment:
    To join your virtual visit, use the link in the email or text message we sent you to confirm your appointment. Please join 15 minutes before your scheduled visit time. You will need your date of birth and zip code to join the visit.

  3. When it's time for your appointment, a provider will call your name.
  4. Your provider will conduct a thorough examination based on your reason for visit, presenting symptoms and health history. Charges will be based on examination and services provided during the visit.
  5. At the end of your visit, you are provided with a visit summary, receipt and educational material about your diagnosis. At your request, we can send your primary care provider information about your visit.

Hepatitis C causes, symptoms and treatment

Hepatitis C is a viral disease that damages the liver. It’s contagious when passed to another person by sexual contact or by blood contact through a breach of the skin or mucous membranes. Many people who have the hepatitis C virus (HCV) can live with it for years without becoming ill. However, the virus can still damage the liver even without noticeable symptoms.

Hepatitis C prevention

The Hepatitis C virus spreads through blood or bodily fluids. The virus attacks liver cells and causes inflammation. Usually, there are no visible symptoms. When present, symptoms may include:

  • Fatigue
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Stomach pain
  • Yellowing of the eyes and skin

Other illnesses share those symptoms making it difficult to know whether or not these symptoms are caused by hepatitis C. To be certain, a hepatitis C blood test is necessary.

MinuteClinic providers can discuss your symptoms, medical history and lifestyle. They can test you and help you to understand test results. Depending on the results, they may recommend further testing or refer you to another health care setting for additional diagnostics if necessary.

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IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ: This material is for reference only and should not be used to determine treatment for specific medical conditions. Please visit a health care provider for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of any symptoms you may be experiencing. If you're experiencing a medical emergency, please dial 911 or visit your local emergency department.

 

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