Medical researchers say evidence indicates that a significantly high number of U.S. military veterans have contracted the hepatitis C virus and may not realize it.
In an effort to help identify veterans infected with the virus, which can lead to a serious, potentially life-threatening condition, the American Liver Foundation is working with the Veterans Hepatitis and Liver Disease Council in a nationwide screening program that has outreach into the Virgin Islands.
The foundation will provide a free at-home hepatitis C testing kit to any veteran requesting one. The Hepatitis C Checksm test kits, marketed by Home Access Health Corp., are available to anyone who served in the armed forces or military reserve, according to a release.
Recent studies have found an incidence of 8 percent to 10 percent of HCV among veteran patients receiving services from the Veterans Health Administration. This is about five times the rate of the general population, 1.8 percent. There are approximately 26 million U.S. veterans today, including those who served in World War II, Korea, Vietnam and the Persian Gulf.
"The vast majority of veterans who are infected with hepatitis C do not have symptoms and thus are unaware that they are carrying the virus," the release states. This, combined with the prevalence of hepatitis C and the fact that it is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition, makes it "important to identify those veterans who are infected."
Toward that end, the American Liver Foundation will provide an at-home Hepatitis C Checksm test kit, a $70 value, at no charge other than $6 for shipping and handling, to any veteran requesting one. According to the release, the test kit is easy to use, the procedure takes less than three minutes to complete, and the confidential results are available within 10 business days.
Following is a series of hepatitis C risk assessment questions that veterans are asked to answer before requestion the test kit.
Are you at risk for hepatitis C?
In your military service, have you ever been in a situation in which you have had exposure to someone else's blood through contact with a bleeding wound, through needle-stick injury or in any other way?
Did you serve in Vietnam?
Did you have a blood transfusion or organ transplant before 1992?
Have you ever, even once, injected drugs?
Have you ever, even once, snorted or inhaled cocaine using a straw or bill?
Have you ever had unprotected sex with multiple partners?
Do you have a history of sexually transmitted disease? (Study findings indicate that the risk of getting hepatitis C through unprotected sex is low if you don't have multiple sex partners and if you don't have a sexually transmitted disease.)
Have you ever had a tattoo or had part of your body pierced using unsterile needles?
Have you ever had acupuncture with non-disposable needles?
Have you ever had hemodialysis?
Have you ever shared a razor or toothbrush with someone who may have been infected with hepatitis C?
Were you born to an HCV-infected mother?
Have you ever had an abnormal liver function test?
If you answered "yes" to even one of these questions, you may be at risk for hepatitis C. Please click below to order your free, at-home Hepatitis C Checksm test kit.
If you did not answer "yes" to any of the HRA questions but believe you may be at risk for hepatitis C, or are unsure, please also click below to order your free test kit.
To access the order form, click on www.liverfoundation.org/html/vetfram.htm
You can pay the $6 postage and handling fee on-line with a major credit care. If you want to pay by check or money order, please call toll-free 1-888-888-HEPC to reach Home Access Health Corp. to place your order.
