1. Can the DCP test be done in my doctor's office?
No. The test requires specialized equipment and is not offered by every laboratory. The blood sample will usually be sent to a
reference laboratory.
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2. If I have liver cancer in my family, should I be tested for DCP?
DCP is not intended to be used to screen the general population or those who are healthy. A DCP test may be performed if you have chronic
liver disease.
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3. If I have hepatitis, should I have a DCP test performed?
You should talk to your doctor. If you have a recent active case of
hepatitis B or C, then the DCP test is not indicated. If you have chronic hepatitis, then your doctor may use it as a monitoring tool if she thinks you have cirrhosis or if you have had a showing severe scarring in the liver. If you have chronic hepatitis B infection, you may have the test done even if you don't have cirrhosis or advanced scarring because the virus can directly cause cancer.
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