Testing to detect the hepatitis C infection now is being offered on a walk-up and confidential basis at the Open Door Clinic of Elgin and Aurora.
“We are finding that there is very much an increased awareness of hepatitis C and a need to be tested,” said clinic director Hugh Epping. “For those who received blood transfusions prior to 1992, the infection rate is quite high–nearly 4 million currently in the U.S.”
Since 1992, donated blood has been screened for hepatitis C.
As with most medical conditions, early detection is important. “Knowledge and follow-up are critical in order to address the infection,” Epping said. Hepatitis C can cause liver damage that can lead to further medical complications, such as cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer.
While a great majority of cases of hepatitis C are the result of transfusions, the infection also can be sexually transmitted.
Walk-up testing costs $50 and is available at the clinics on Tuesdays in Aurora from 5 to 7 p.m. at 1330 N. Highland and in Elgin from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at 164 Division, Suite 607. Clients are only seen on a walk-in basis during these hours, but appointments may be made for other times during regular business hours at the Elgin clinic.
Hepatitis C testing is available at most hospitals and clinics but usually requires a physician’s referral. Testing fees at these types of facilities typically are about $50.
The Open Door Clinic is a non-profit agency that specializes in testing for sexually transmitted diseases, including syphilis, chlamydia, herpes, hepatitis B, and gonorrhea. It also tests and has management programs for HIV patients.
Epping said the clinic is currently seeing about 1,000 patients per year for STD and 140 for HIV.
For more information about hepatitis C or other testing services, call the Elgin clinic at 847-695-1093.
