liver and gallbladder disorders
Hepatitis C, Chronic
Screening for Chronic Hepatitis C
Certain people should talk to their doctor about being tested for hepatitis C, whether they have symptoms suggesting hepatitis or not. One routine screening is recommended for all people 18 years old or over, regardless of risk factors. One screening is also recommended for people under 18 years old with the following characteristics: Are currently using or have ever injected illicit drugs, even if only one time Have inhaled illicit drugs Are men who have sex with men Are currently or have ever been treated with long-term hemodialysis Have abnormal liver test results or unexplained chronic liver disease Work in health care or public safety and were exposed to blood of a person with hepatitis C through a needlestick or other injury by a sharp object Have HIV infection or are starting to take an antiretroviral drug before being exposed to HIV Have ever been imprisoned Are children born to women with hepatitis C Such testing is important because symptoms may not develop until the infection has extensively damaged the liver, years after people are first infected. 