Who Should Get a Hepatitis C Screening?
You might need your parent’s consent to get tested. There is a state law on minor consent for medical care, although they vary in different states. If you’ve been exposed to hepatitis C or feel that you need a test for any reason, don’t let your age stop you from getting the medical help you need.
If left untreated, hepatitis C can lead to more complications and have serious consequences for your health. If you test positive, you can also pass the virus onto others.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) [3] recommends universal hepatitis C screening for these categories of people:
- Pregnant people: They may be supposed to get a hepatitis C screening as often as once per pregnancy based on your doctor’s recommendations.
- All adults aged 18 and over: They should get a hepatitis C screening at least once in a lifetime.