Find Hepatitis test
in Lancaster, CA.

Who should get tested for hepatitis?

Anyone who has been exposed to the hepatitis virus should get tested. This includes individuals who have shared needles, had unprotected sex, or have been in close contact with someone infected with the virus. Those who have traveled to countries with high rates of hepatitis, or have a history of liver disease, should also consider getting tested. According to the CDC, baby boomers (born between 1945 and 1965) are five times more likely to have hepatitis C and should get tested regardless of risk factors.

Importance of getting tested

Getting tested for hepatitis is crucial as it can lead to serious health complications if left untreated, including liver damage, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Early detection allows for prompt treatment and can prevent the spread of the virus to others. According to the CDC, many people with hepatitis do not experience symptoms until liver damage has occurred, making regular testing important for those at risk.

Hepatitis testing options in Lancaster, CA:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

Urgent care and walk-in clinics offer convenient, same-day testing for hepatitis. Summit Urgent Care in nearby Palmdale and Henry Mayo Urgent Care in Santa Clarita are highly rated options. Both clinics offer same-day and next-day appointments which can be booked through Solv’s website and mobile app.

Primary care providers

Primary care providers also offer hepatitis testing. It's a good idea to discuss your risk factors and any potential symptoms with your primary care doctor, who can then order the appropriate tests.

Free STD testing and community health centers

Community health centers often provide free or low-cost hepatitis testing. Guardian Testing in Lancaster is one such center offering affordable testing services.

At-home testing

At-home testing kits provide another option for those who prefer privacy or cannot visit a clinic. These kits can be ordered online, used at home, and then sent to a lab for analysis.

Prevalence of hepatitis in Lancaster

While specific data for Lancaster is not readily available, Los Angeles County, where Lancaster is located, has reported a steady increase in hepatitis cases over the years. This trend mirrors national data from the CDC, which shows an increase in hepatitis cases across the country.

Risk factors related to hepatitis in Lancaster

Risk factors for hepatitis in Lancaster are similar to those in other parts of the country. These include drug use, unprotected sex, and close contact with someone who has the virus. Additionally, Lancaster's proximity to larger cities like Los Angeles may increase exposure risk due to higher population density and increased rates of drug use.

Other STDs in Lancaster

In addition to hepatitis, other STDs such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, and syphilis are also prevalent in Lancaster. Like hepatitis, these STDs can be detected through testing at local clinics, primary care providers, community health centers, and with at-home testing kits. Regular testing is recommended for those at risk, with appointments available through Solv.