Guide to Hepatitis C Testing
AAHIVM along with the American College of Physicians (ACP) has developed a “Guide to Hepatitis C Testing” for clinical providers.
The guide presents information on recommended testing populations, screening processes, laboratory and billing for diagnostic and confirmatory screening and also genotype testing. It also provides helpful guidance and examples on patients interactions and provision of information on hepatitis C.
Download the PDF file: Guide to Hepatitis C Testing by AAHIVM and ACP
The Guide is also available in a free hard-copy brochure format for clinical providers and educational purposes. For brochure requests, contact: Ericka Nanalig at ericka@aahivm.org, AAHIVM Office Manager
CDC Testing Guidelines:
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s Testing Recommendations for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are summarized below.
HCV Testing Is Recommended for:
• Adults born from 1945 through 1965 (“baby boomers”) should be tested at least once in their lifetime and more frequently if they are at ongoing risk
• Persons who inject drugs (currently or in the past)
• Patients who have HIV infection
• Patients with persistently abnormal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels
• Patients treated with clotting factor concentrates produced before 1987
• Patients who ever received long-term hemodialysis
• Patients who were recipients of either blood transfusions or organ transplants before July 1992, or who were notified their donor later tested positive for HCV
• Children born to HCV-positive women
• Healthcare, emergency medical, and public safety workers after a recognized exposure to HCV-positive blood through needle sticks, sharps, or mucosal exposures
HCV Testing may also benefit:
• Recipients of transplanted tissue (e.g., corneal, musculoskeletal, skin, ova, sperm)
• Intranasal cocaine and other non-injecting illegal drug users
• Persons with a history of tattooing or body piercing
• Persons with a history of multiple sex partners or sexually transmitted infections (STI)
• Long-term steady sex partners of HCV-positive persons
• Persons who inject drugs
• Persons who engage high-risk sex and with history of sexually transmitted infections
Additional Resources:
CDC Testing Recommendations for Hepatitis C Virus Infection
USPSTF Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Adolescents and Adults: Screening Recommendations
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Division of Viral Hepatitis
CDC Division of Viral Hepatitis “Hepatitis C FAQs for Health Professionals”
World Health Organization (WHO) – Hepatitis C
American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD)
AASLD “HCV Guidance: Recommendations for Testing, Managing, and Treating Hepatitis C”
American Liver Foundation Help Line: 1-800-GO-LIVER (1-800-465-4837)
American Gastroenterological Association
American College of Gastroenterologists