Hepatitis C Screening: Questions for the Doctor

Everyone age 18 years and older should get tested for hepatitis C at least once in their life. Hepatitis C is a serious liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). The most common way to get hepatitis C is by coming in contact with the blood of someone who has it. In the United States, people usually get hepatitis C by sharing needles.

Many people who have hepatitis C live for years without feeling sick. But the virus can still damage your liver and cause liver cancer — even if you don’t feel sick. You could also spread the virus to others without knowing it. 

The only way to know for sure if you have hepatitis C is to get a blood test. Medicine can cure most cases of hepatitis C.

What do I ask the doctor?

When you visit the doctor, it helps to have questions ready ahead of time. You can also ask a family member or friend to go with you to take notes. 

Consider taking this list of questions to your next appointment.

• Do I need to get tested for hepatitis C?
• What puts me at risk for hepatitis C?
• How will you test me for hepatitis C?
• How long will it take to get my test results?
• How will I find out my test results?
• If I have hepatitis C, what will happen next?
• Can you give me some information about hepatitis C to take home with me?