What should dialysis patients know about hepatitis C?

Dialysis involves regular access to the bloodstream, so the dialysis team uses infection-control procedures and may include hepatitis C screening in ongoing care. A positive antibody result does not by itself show that the virus is still present. Additional testing can check for current infection. Hepatitis C may cause no symptoms, although fatigue can occur and may also result from kidney disease or dialysis itself. Liver health should be considered alongside kidney health.

Tell the dialysis team about any previous hepatitis C result, blood exposure, tattooing or piercing with uncertain sterility, or changes in your health. Attend the tests they arrange and keep every specialist informed about your medicines. A GP Consultation can help coordinate care outside the dialysis unit. Ask whether a Liver Function Test is suitable and how any hepatitis C treatment would fit with dialysis timing and other prescriptions. Never stop dialysis or prescribed medicine on your own.

Report promptly to the dialysis team any fever, redness, warmth, swelling, drainage, or increasing pain around your access. Seek urgent help for yellow skin or eyes, severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood, black stools, confusion, or severe weakness. These symptoms need assessment because they can reflect infection, bleeding, liver problems, or another complication.

Ask how often you need hepatitis C testing, which result shows current infection, and how the team protects your access and equipment. Discuss treatment options, medicine interactions, and who will monitor your liver and kidney care together.