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Do You Know How Long Hepatitis C can remain Infectious?

Recent studies indicate that hepatitis C can remain infectious at room temperatures for up to 6-weeks.  Is your practice following the latest infection control guidelines for infection control? CDC also reveals that approximately 3-million adults in the U.S. are infected with hepatitis C virus, particularly the Baby Boomers (born from 1945 through 1965). Of the individuals who are infected, 3 out of 4 have no idea they have it. Once infected, 8 out of 10 people remain infected for life. These numbers are staggering.

In order to determine if you have hepatitis C, CDC recommends a screening blood test, called an antibody test. If the test is positive, a follow up RNA blood test is needed to see if a person is still infected with the hepatitis C virus. CDC recommends the follow groups to be tested for hepatitis C:

  • born from 1945 to 1965
  • received blood products with clotting factor before 1987
  • have received blood transfusion or organ transplant before July 1992
  • Have ever injected drugs, even if only one time
  • Have HIV
  • Have been on kidney dialysis for several years
  • Are health or public safety workers who have been stuck with a needle or other sharp object
  • With blood from a person with hepatitis C or unknown hepatitis C status
  • Born to mother with hepatitis C

Source: CDC Recommendations 1998, 1999 and 2012

Contact Modern Practice Solutions for infection control and OSHA compliance training: (931) 232-7738 or  [email protected]

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