Free hepatitis C testing offered on 12 November across Latvia, including Bauska

On Thursday, 12 November, residents can take a hepatitis C antibody test free of charge and without a doctor's referral at all 135 branches of the medical laboratory Centrālā Laboratorija in Latvia, including the one in Bauska. Hepatitis C is a viral infection that damages the liver. The offer is part of the social campaign «Atklāj. Rīkojies!» («Discover. Act!»), which aims to encourage early detection because the disease can go without symptoms for years.

This is the second year the campaign is run by SIA Centrālā Laboratorija together with the Latvian Association of Infectologists and Hepatologists. Zane Kaktiņa, chair of the company's board, said Latvia still has people living with hepatitis C without knowing it, and the aim is to lower the barriers to getting tested.

The situation in Latvia

Data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) show that Latvia has the second-highest rate of reported chronic hepatitis C cases in the European Union and European Economic Area: 35.2 cases per 100,000 residents. The average across 30 European countries is 3.3.

Up to 85% of those infected develop a chronic infection. According to the World Health Organization, cirrhosis develops within 20 years in 15–30% of people with chronic hepatitis C, and the disease can also cause liver failure and liver cancer. If detected early, modern antiviral therapy can cure more than 95% of patients. Treatment usually lasts 8–12 weeks and is fully paid for by the state in Latvia.

What the test shows

The anti-HCV test detects antibodies to the virus. A positive result does not necessarily mean an active infection, since antibodies can persist after recovery; additional tests are needed to confirm it. Antibodies appear on average two to three months after infection, so a negative result does not rule out a recent infection.

Last year, 5,141 people were tested during the campaign, and 197, or about 4%, had a positive result. Indra Zeltiņa, president of the infectologists' and hepatologists' association, recommends that every adult take the test at least once in their life.

No preparation is required. Branch addresses and opening hours are listed at www.laboratorija.lv.