HCV Testing
Photo illustration of a vial of blood labeled Hepatitis C Blood Test
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)
Hepatitis C is an infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus. Hepatitis means inflammation or swelling of the liver. When the liver is inflamed, it can have a harder time doing some of its jobs. While some people infected with HCV are able to get rid of the virus, most people will develop a chronic, or lifelong infection. If undiagnosed and untreated for a long period, chronic HCV can lead to serious liver problems such as cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer.
HCV Testing
HCV is often called a “silent disease” because most people don’t know they’re infected until the disease is in the late stages. The best way to learn if you have HCV is with a simple blood test. The HCV test is available for all Veterans enrolled in VA Healthcare. The test itself is free, although your usual office visit copays may apply. Ask your VA provider for the HCV test at your next visit.
Who Should be Tested for HCV?
The Department of Veterans Affairs leads the country in hepatitis screening, testing, treatment, research and prevention.
The Infectious Disease specialists of the Washington DC VA Medical Center would like to see all Veterans tested for HCV especially those at high risk such as:
- Veterans born between the years 1945 – 1965. While anyone can get Hepatitis C, up to 75% of adults infected with Hepatitis C were born from 1945 – 1965;
- Those who’ve had blood transfusions, blood products, or organ donations before June 1992;
- Health care workers who have had needle-stick accidents; and
- Injection drug users, including those who may have used drugs once many years ago.
Testing is the first step in protecting yourself, your family members and your partner. If you are diagnosed with HCV, you can begin to get the health care and support you need and will learn how to avoid spreading the virus to others.
Treating HCV
The good news about HCV is that successful treatments are now available that can often eliminate the virus from the body, prevent further liver damage and have fewer side effects than previous options. That’s why testing is so important.
Learn More about HCV
Contact your VA Health Care Provider about obtaining the HCV test or connect with the DC VA Medical Center Hepatitis C Case Manager and Care Coordinator, 202-745-8000, ext. 5-6026 or ext. 5-5990. Get tested, it could save your life. For more information visit the Department of Veterans Affairs website: https://www.hepatitis.va.gov/
