On World Hepatitis Day, 28 July, 71 people took advantage of the free hepatitis C antibody (anti-HCV) testing offered by Centrālā laboratorija at Cēsis Clinic. All test participants received negative results, highlighting the importance of preventative screening and bringing welcome news for patients.
“We are pleased with the public’s responsible attitude towards their health in undergoing these tests. If the result is negative, hepatitis C antibody testing should be repeated after five years, but for high-risk groups – at least once a year,” says laboratory specialist Jeļena Storoženko, a board member of SIA Centrālā laboratorija and Associate Professor at the Department of Infectology, Rīga Stradiņš University.
“It should be noted that there is no vaccine against the infection, and it is possible to contract the hepatitis C virus in everyday situations, for example, during beauty treatments or medical procedures. Therefore, everyone – including children – should be tested,” adds J. Storoženko.
Hepatitis C is transmitted through contact with infected blood, and the disease can progress without symptoms for many years. In up to 85% of cases, the infection becomes chronic and, if left untreated, can cause severe liver damage – including liver failure, cirrhosis, and cancer. The hepatitis C antibody test (anti-HCV) is used in medicine as a screening method that enables early detection of the infection.
“The good news is that, if diagnosed early, hepatitis C can be cured in 95% of cases. Moreover, the state fully covers the cost of modern therapy,” notes initiative author Dr Inga Ažiņa, Chair of the Board at Cēsis Clinic and Lecturer at the Institute of Public Health, Rīga Stradiņš University.
At the same time, she reminds patients that if their hepatitis C test result is positive, they should contact their GP to obtain a referral to an infectious disease specialist.
Latvia still has one of the highest rates of hepatitis C in the European Union. For several years now, Centrālā laboratorija has been providing free hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS testing for various patient groups, thereby highlighting the importance of early diagnosis in detecting and treating these diseases and contributing to public health.
