Hepatitis C Is Curable and Testing Is the First Step
Hepatitis C is a viral infection that affects the liver. It spreads through contact with infected blood — most commonly through shared needles or drug equipment, but also through blood transfusions that occurred before 1992, unregulated tattoos or piercings, and in some cases, sexual contact. Many people with Hepatitis C have no symptoms for years, which is why testing is so important.
The encouraging reality is that Hepatitis C is curable. Modern antiviral medications cure more than 95% of people with Hepatitis C, with treatment often lasting 8 to 12 weeks. Testing is the first step toward determining whether treatment is needed.
LifeLine Health provides confidential Hepatitis C testing at no cost to Tennessee residents. Insurance is not required for testing. Treatment assistance may also be available based on eligibility and individual circumstances.
How Hepatitis C Testing Works
Hepatitis C testing typically involves a blood test. There are two stages to the testing process, and understanding both can help you know what to expect.
Step One: The Antibody Test
The first test checks your blood for Hepatitis C antibodies. Antibodies are proteins your immune system produces in response to an infection. A positive antibody test means your body has encountered the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) at some point, but it does not automatically mean you currently have an active infection. Some people clear the virus on their own.
Step Two: The Confirmatory RNA Test
If your antibody test is positive, a follow-up RNA test may be performed to determine whether the virus is currently active in your body. This test detects the genetic material of the virus directly. A positive RNA test indicates an active infection and allows your healthcare provider to discuss appropriate next steps. A negative RNA test after a positive antibody result generally means there is no current infection.
Your healthcare provider will explain your results and discuss any appropriate follow-up testing or treatment.
Who Should Get Tested
Because Hepatitis C often causes no noticeable symptoms in its early stages, testing is an important way to know your status. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends Hepatitis C screening for all adults at least once and screening during each pregnancy, with additional testing recommended for certain people with ongoing risk factors.
You should consider getting tested if any of the following apply to you:
- You’ve ever injected drugs, even once, or shared drug equipment such as needles, syringes, or other equipment
- You received a blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1992
- You are living with HIV
- You’ve had tattoos or piercings performed in settings where proper sterilization practices may not have been followed
- You’ve been incarcerated
- You’re pregnant
- You have other risk factors or have been advised by a healthcare provider to be tested
You don’t need to have a known risk factor to ask about testing. Adults should be screened for Hepatitis C at least once, and people with certain ongoing risk factors may need periodic testing.
Why Hepatitis C Testing Matters
Hepatitis C can progress slowly and may cause liver damage over many years without noticeable symptoms. In some people, chronic Hepatitis C can eventually result in serious liver complications.
Without appropriate treatment, chronic Hepatitis C can increase the risk of:
- Cirrhosis — severe scarring of the liver that can impair liver function
- Liver failure — a serious condition in which the liver can no longer adequately perform its essential functions
- Liver cancer — chronic Hepatitis C can increase the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma
Early testing can help identify an infection before serious complications develop and allows patients and their healthcare providers to discuss appropriate treatment.
People who don’t know they have Hepatitis C can also unknowingly transmit the virus to others. Knowing your status can help you make informed decisions about your health and reduce the risk of transmission.
Hepatitis C Is Curable
Direct-acting antiviral medications have transformed Hepatitis C treatment. For most people, treatment involves oral medication taken for a relatively short period of time and has a very high cure rate.
Treatment commonly lasts 8 to 12 weeks, although the appropriate medication and duration depend on the individual patient. After treatment, a follow-up blood test is used to determine whether the virus has been cleared. When Hepatitis C virus remains undetectable 12 weeks or more after completing treatment, this is known as a sustained virologic response (SVR) and is considered a cure.
If you’re diagnosed with Hepatitis C, a healthcare provider can evaluate your individual circumstances and determine an appropriate treatment plan.
LifeLine Health connects Tennessee residents with Hepatitis C testing and treatment services. Testing is available at no cost, and treatment assistance may be available to eligible patients, including those without insurance.
Confidential Hepatitis C Testing
Privacy concerns can prevent people from seeking testing and treatment. LifeLine Health handles patient information in accordance with applicable privacy and confidentiality requirements.
Your care team can answer questions about how your health information is collected, used, and disclosed as part of your care.
LifeLine Health is committed to providing a respectful, judgment-free environment. Our focus is helping patients understand their health and connect with appropriate testing and treatment.
Telehealth Services Across Tennessee
Transportation, work schedules, childcare, and distance from healthcare providers can make accessing care difficult. Telehealth can help reduce some of these barriers.
LifeLine Health serves patients throughout Tennessee, including Chattanooga, Knoxville, Nashville, Memphis, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and surrounding communities. Depending on the service and individual circumstances, portions of the intake and follow-up process may be completed through telehealth.
For people living in rural communities, telehealth can make it easier to connect with healthcare professionals without repeated long-distance travel. LifeLine Health works to help Tennessee residents access Hepatitis C testing, treatment, and support.
No Insurance? We Can Help.
Cost and insurance coverage can create barriers to Hepatitis C testing and treatment. LifeLine Health works to help patients understand available options and connect with appropriate resources.
Hepatitis C testing through LifeLine Health is available at no cost. For patients who need treatment, LifeLine Health can help determine eligibility for available treatment assistance, patient assistance programs, grant-funded services, and other resources.
You do not need insurance to receive Hepatitis C testing through LifeLine Health. If treatment is needed, our team can help you understand the options that may be available based on your individual circumstances.
What Happens After a Positive Test Result
If testing confirms an active Hepatitis C infection, your healthcare provider will discuss the next steps with you. Additional evaluation may include bloodwork to assess liver function and other testing based on your individual health history.
Your healthcare provider can then determine which treatment approach is appropriate for you. Treatment commonly involves direct-acting antiviral medication, with the specific medication and duration determined based on individual clinical factors.
During and after treatment, your healthcare team can provide appropriate monitoring and support. A follow-up blood test after treatment is used to determine whether the virus has been cleared.
Modern Hepatitis C treatments are highly effective for most patients, but individual results and treatment plans can vary.
Taking the First Step Toward Testing
If you’ve been putting off Hepatitis C testing because of cost, uncertainty, or difficulty accessing care, LifeLine Health can help you understand your options.
- Reach out. Contact LifeLine Health to schedule a confidential appointment or learn more about testing.
- Complete an intake. You’ll provide relevant information about your health history so the care team can determine the appropriate testing process.
- Complete your testing. Hepatitis C testing typically requires a blood sample.
- Receive your results. Your healthcare provider will explain your results and discuss any appropriate next steps.
- Connect with treatment if needed. If testing confirms an active Hepatitis C infection, your care team can discuss treatment options and available assistance programs.
Hepatitis C is curable, and testing is the first step toward knowing your status. LifeLine Health provides no-cost Hepatitis C testing to Tennessee residents and can help eligible patients explore treatment assistance options.
If you’re ready to get started, contact LifeLine Health to learn more or schedule an appointment.