Hepatitis refers to the inflammation of the liver. There are five types of hepatitis viruses, namely A, B, C, D, and E.
Hepatitis A and E are typically caused by consuming contaminated water or food, while hepatitis B, C, and D are transmitted through blood-to-blood contact, contaminated needles, and unprotected sex.
Why You Should Consider a Hepatitis Screening
Getting screened for hepatitis can save your life. Hepatitis B and C, in particular, can be damaging to your liver and may even lead to liver cancer if left untreated.
Since hepatitis symptoms can be hard to recognize, it is crucial to get screened to identify the disease early on. Screening is especially important for people who are at a higher risk of carrying the disease.
Understanding Hepatitis Testing
There are different types of tests for hepatitis that are used to determine if a person has the disease and what type of virus is present. These tests include:.
- Hepatitis A, B, and C testing
- Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) testing
- Hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) testing
- Hepatitis C antibody (anti-HCV) testing
- Hepatitis C viral RNA testing
It is essential to have a healthcare professional review your hepatitis test results to help you with the next steps.
Prometheus Offers Free Screening
Prometheus Biosciences, a biotechnology company focused on developing precision medicines for patients with inflammatory bowel diseases, is offering free hepatitis screenings to promote awareness and increase early detection of the disease.
The free hepatitis screenings offered by Prometheus provide a comprehensive assessment of a person’s hepatitis status.
Prometheus uses modern diagnostic tests, which are designed to detect the presence or absence of viral hepatitis with a high degree of accuracy.
Who is Eligible for Free Hepatitis Screening?
Anyone can get a hepatitis screening, but the following individuals have an increased risk of carrying the disease and are, therefore, recommended to get screened:.
- Individuals who use illicit drugs and have shared needles or other injection equipment.
- People who have received tattoos and piercings from unregulated providers or unlicensed individuals.
- Individuals who have a history of blood transfusion before 1992 or have received blood products for medical treatment before 1987.
- People who have been diagnosed with HIV or sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- Individuals who have traveled to areas with a high prevalence of hepatitis (e.g., Asia, Africa, and the Middle East).
How to Get Free Hepatitis Screening?
If you think that you may be at risk of carrying hepatitis or would like to learn more about the disease, Prometheus offers free hepatitis screening.
You can visit Prometheus’s website or contact their helpline for information on how to get screened.
What to Expect During a Hepatitis Screening?
A hepatitis screening typically involves a blood test. During the blood test, a healthcare professional will draw a small sample of your blood, usually from a vein in your arm. The blood sample will be sent to a lab for testing.
Getting a blood test is quick and painless; it typically takes only a few minutes to complete. Before the blood test, make sure you inform the healthcare professional about any medications or supplements you are taking.
Conclusion
Hepatitis is a serious disease that can have long-term health consequences if left undetected. It is essential to get screened for hepatitis, particularly if you are at risk of carrying the disease.
Prometheus offers free hepatitis screening to promote early detection and awareness of the disease, so take advantage of their offer and get screened today.