Which statement accurately reflects hepatitis C screening recommendations?

Which statement accurately reflects hepatitis C screening recommendations?

• A. Screening for HCV is not recommended in adults.
• B. Anti-HCV antibody testing is recommended for all adults at high risk, and one-time screening for those born between 1945 and 1965.
• C. All adults should be screened annually.
• D. HCV screening is only for symptomatic individuals.

Answer: (B)

Hepatitis C screening relies on targeting groups with higher prevalence and a one-time check for a birth cohort with elevated risk. Anti-HCV antibody testing is recommended for adults at high risk (for example, those who inject drugs, have HIV, had certain blood exposures, or are on dialysis), and there is a one-time screening recommendation for people born between 1945 and 1965. If the antibody test is positive, follow up with HCV RNA testing to confirm active infection and then proceed with evaluation for treatment. This approach balances identifying most infections while avoiding unnecessary repeated screening of the entire adult population.

Hepatitis C screening relies on targeting groups with higher prevalence and a one-time check for a birth cohort with elevated risk. Anti-HCV antibody testing is recommended for adults at high risk (for example, those who inject drugs, have HIV, had certain blood exposures, or are on dialysis), and there is a one-time screening recommendation for people born between 1945 and 1965. If the antibody test is positive, follow up with HCV RNA testing to confirm active infection and then proceed with evaluation for treatment. This approach balances identifying most infections while avoiding unnecessary repeated screening of the entire adult population.