Rodney Goodie, CEO of the St. Hope Foundation, emphasizes the importance of regular screenings for hepatitis C (HCV), especially for high-risk groups such as drug users and individuals born between 1945 and 1965. The screening process involves blood tests to detect antibodies and, if positive, further RNA tests to confirm active infection and assess liver damage. Early detection through screening is crucial as HCV often goes undiagnosed until severe symptoms arise.

1. The Screening
Process for Hepatitis
C
Rodney Goodie

2. Introduction
• Rodney Goodie leverages over two decades of experience in the
health care industry to lead the St. Hope Foundation. As CEO of
the Texas-based nonprofit, Rodney Goodie oversees teams that
treat a broad array of conditions, including hepatitis C virus
(HCV), a viral infection that can manifest after direct contact
with contaminated blood. Health professionals advise patients at
risk of contracting hepatitis C to undergo regular screenings.
Individuals most at risk of contracting hepatitis C include those
with a history of injecting drugs, those who currently inject drugs,
and children born to HCV-positive mothers. Adults born between
1945 and 1965 or received a blood transfusion prior to July 1992
also carry a higher risk for the infection, due to the lack of
screening procedures for blood used in transfusions. Additionally,
professionals who work in an environment where they may come
into contact with blood or needles must exert caution to prevent
the risk of infecting themselves or others.

3. Hepatitis C
• Early stages of HCV usually produce no symptoms, and the
infection can often go undiagnosed until more life-threatening
symptoms occur, such as severe liver damage. Regular screening is
essential for early detection. Screenings begin with a blood draw,
after which physicians test the blood for the presence of specific
antibodies. A positive result indicates that the patient came into
contact with HCV at some point and must undergo further testing
to confirm a diagnosis.
Following a positive antibody test, patients take an RNA
qualitative test to determine if they are currently infected with
HCV. The test screens the patient’s bloodstream for the virus’
genetic RNA material. A negative result means the patient’s body
removed the infection naturally, while a positive one confirms a
HCV diagnosis. Patients with a confirmed diagnosis will then take
an RNA quantitative test to measure the amount of the virus in
the bloodstream and assess potential liver damage.