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Hepatitis C screening

Hepatitis C is a contagious viral disease that causes liver inflammation. If left untreated, it can lead to liver damage.*

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) spreads through contact with the blood of an infected person. Many people with HCV can live with it for years without becoming ill. However, the virus can still damage the liver without noticeable symptoms.

MinuteClinic® locations can perform hepatitis C screenings.

Find care

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

Walk-ins welcome — no appointment necessary!

Insurance and pricing

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

Pre-check coverage

Looking for information about hepatitis C screenings? We have you covered.

When should a 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 the following:

  • Health care workers who have had a needlestick injury
  • People born between 1945 and 1965
  • People who have (or have had) a sexual partner with hepatitis C
  • People who received an organ transplant or blood transfusion before 1992 or clotting factors before 1987
  • People who use or have used a needle to inject drugs
  • People who were born to a mother with hepatitis C
  • People with chronic liver disease or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
  • People with tattoos or body piercings that were performed with unsterilized equipment

What happens during a hepatitis C screening?

The typical screening method for hepatitis C is an antibody test. When harmful foreign microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses, enter the body, the immune system creates proteins called antibodies. Each antibody is tailored to fight a specific microorganism. The hepatitis C antibody test looks for antibodies that are tailored to hepatitis C in the bloodstream.*

A positive result means you were exposed to the hepatitis C virus at some point in time. It doesn’t tell you whether or not the infection is currently active. If the results of the screening come back positive, additional tests will be needed to see if the virus is active.

A negative result means no antibodies were detected. Either there isn’t an 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 and tested negative, the test may be repeated to confirm that it was not a false negative.

Getting help

A MinuteClinic provider 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 provider for additional tests or treatment if necessary.

  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.

  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.

Frequently asked questions

Hepatitis C is a contagious viral disease that causes liver inflammation. If left untreated, it can lead to liver damage.

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) spreads through contact with the blood of an infected person. Many people with HCV can live with it for years without becoming ill. However, the virus can still damage the liver without noticeable symptoms.

When present, hepatitis C symptoms* may include any of the following:

  • Clay-colored stool
  • Dark urine
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Joint paint
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Stomach pain
  • Yellowing of the eyes and skin

There are other illnesses that share these symptoms, which make it hard to know when symptoms are caused by hepatitis C. To be certain, a hepatitis C blood antigen test is needed.

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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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