Taking HCV Risk History
In this video, Dr Vicky Cock demonstrates a friendly approach to taking hepatitis C risk history. Below are some key points. (Scan QR code for full video)
Useful lead-ins Ÿ
I can see you are pointing on your right - that’s where your liver is. We should take a look at that.
Ÿ
There are a lot of causes for liver disease. There’s a big group called viral hepatitis caused by viruses that infect the liver. That’s a group we normally test for.
Ÿ
Have you ever heard of hepatitis C?
Go through all risk factors, not just injecting drug use Ÿ
Do you have friends or know of people who have hepatitis C? The reason I’m asking is that it’s spread from blood to blood and I notice you have some tattoos. That is a risk factor especially for older tattoos - back then the parlours were not as sterile...
Ÿ
Another transmission risk is injecting drugs. Have you ever injected drugs before, even if it’s only once or twice? Even if it was years ago?
Ÿ
At the time that you were injecting, can you remember sharing equipment? That is one of the big risks. People didn’t know it was a risk back then.
Ÿ
Have you had any blood transfusion before 1989?
Ÿ
Another risk is men who have sex with men. Is that something that might apply to you?
Be reassuring Ÿ
Let’s do the examination and do some basic screening for hepatitis C. There’s no reason to be alarmed. Even if you do have hepatitis C, there’s fabulous new treatment.
Ÿ
And even if you are still injecting drugs at the moment, we will still treat you.
Full video at: http://bit.ly/takinghcvriskhistory or scan QR code in image above
hepsa.asn.au/gp