Cempa Community Care Provides FREE & Confidential Hepatitis C Testing
In 2020, the US Preventive Services Task Force now recommends HCV screening for all US adults ages 19-79.
Hepatitis C (HCV) is a viral infection that attacks the liver and is most commonly passed from person to person by way of infected blood, and in some cases, from mother to child during childbirth. Because the liver is inflamed or damaged, its function can be affected and cause other forms of hepatitis such as hepatitis A or B.
1,054
HCV Tests in 2019-2020
Protect yourself from Hepatitis C, know how HCV is spread:
What are Hepatitis C symptoms?
Most people don’t have symptoms at first, and it can take many years to feel sick from hepatitis C. Those who have symptoms usually feel slightly ill, may experience joint pain, dark urine or light-colored stools. The most common symptoms also include:
Antibody test results are provided within 20mins. If test results are positive, a same day RNA lab draw will be offered. Results from this test will be provided within two weeks.
Linkage to treatment after a new diagnosis is the No. 1 priority. Learn more about HCV Treatment here.
If you screen positive for HCV (antibody test), you will be referred to a specialist, generally infectious diseases or gastroenterology.
Labs in your initial visit will determine: 1) if there is virus in your blood (approximately 15-20% of individuals will clear the virus without therapy), 2) what type of hepatitis c you have, 3) whether you have other types of viral hepatitis (A, B), and 4) how much damage the virus has done to your liver.
Providers at Cempa Community Care will work with you to create an individualized treatment plan, typically 56-84 days of a once daily medication. Labs are needed after 4 weeks on the medicine and again 12 weeks after completing the medicine to monitor for successful clearance.
As a Cempa Community Care client, you will also have access to Nutritional Counseling from Cempa’s Registered Dietitian to help you reach your health goals related to your HCV treatment plan.
YES! If medication is appropriately taken and you adhere to your provider’s recommended treatment plan, the virus can be eliminated.
Location and Hours of Operation
Location & Hours of Operation
1000 East 3rd Street, Suite 100
Chattanooga, TN 37403
FREE HIV & Hep C Testing Available
Monday – Thursday 8:00am to 5:00pm
Friday 8:00am to 2:00pm
Prevention Services is closed daily from 12:00 – 12:30 PM.
