Should I Get Tested for Hep C? Here’s Who Should — and Why It Matters

Complete Healthcare Team

Hepatitis C (HCV) is a virus that affects the liver, and early detection can make all the difference in long-term health. Complete Healthcare’s South Columbus office emphasizes the importance of proactive testing and treatment, guiding patients through every step with expertise, compassion, and personalized care.

Understanding Hepatitis C and Its Risks

Hepatitis C can lead to serious liver damage if left untreated, including cirrhosis or liver cancer. People who use injection drugs, share needles, or have a history of substance use face a higher risk. Long-term alcohol use and exposure to other liver-risk factors also increase vulnerability.

Recent advances in medicine have made treatment highly effective. Modern direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) can cure Hep C in over 95% of cases, often within 8–12 weeks. Early detection through testing allows patients to take control of their health before the virus causes permanent damage.

Who Should Consider Hep C Testing?

Testing is recommended for individuals who:

• Have used or currently use injection drugs or shared needles
• Have a history of long-term alcohol use or other liver-risk exposures
• Received blood products or organ transplants before 1992, when widespread screening began
• Show abnormal liver function tests with no known cause
• Want to stay proactive about their health

In addition, guidelines now recommend that all adults aged 18–79 undergo Hep C screening at least once. Routine testing gives patients peace of mind and provides an opportunity to catch the virus before serious liver damage occurs.

The Testing Process

Complete Healthcare’s South Columbus office provides a straightforward, confidential testing process:

1. HCV antibody test: Detects whether a patient has ever been exposed to the virus.
2. HCV RNA test (if antibody positive): Confirms whether the virus is actively present in the blood.
3. Results review and treatment planning: Physicians explain results clearly and develop a personalized treatment plan if needed.

The team coordinates care with the patient’s overall health plan, including addiction recovery or primary care management, ensuring comprehensive support.

Treatment Options 

When an active infection is confirmed, physicians discuss the best treatment options. DAAs offer shorter, simpler, and more tolerable therapy compared to older regimens.

• Duration: Most patients complete treatment in 8–12 weeks.
• Monitoring: Regular labs and check-ins track progress and ensure effectiveness.
• Confirmation of cure: After treatment, patients are retested to confirm sustained virologic response (SVR), meaning the virus is no longer detectable.

Patients in recovery from addiction can safely undergo treatment, and Complete Healthcare’s team has experience co-managing both recovery and Hep C therapy to ensure the best outcomes.

The Complete Healthcare Difference

Complete Healthcare’s South Columbus office focuses on personalized care in a welcoming environment. Experienced physicians and nurses provide comprehensive support, addressing immediate health concerns and supporting long-term wellness. Same-day appointments make it easy for patients to access care quickly, while the team ensures each individual receives the guidance, resources, and treatment needed to thrive.

Early Hep C testing is more than a medical procedure; it’s a proactive step toward protecting the liver, maintaining overall health, and taking control of the future. By working with trusted providers like Complete Healthcare in South Columbus, patients can access expert testing, effective treatment, and compassionate guidance every step of the way.

Taking the step to get tested today can prevent serious complications tomorrow and give patients confidence in their health and well-being.