Background: Hepatitis C screening is now recommended for all individuals born between the years 1945-1965 in addition to individuals who have high-risk factors. Although most clinicians have extensive experience with the diagnosis and treatment of the disease, they have limited experience screening for it.
Methods: We report current screening guidelines and methods.
Results: By identifying the disease as early as possible, screening and treatment can reduce morbidity and mortality.
Conclusion: Screening for hepatitis C leads to the appropriate evaluation and treatment of individuals chronically infected with the hepatitis C virus and prevents the progression of liver disease to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and the associated morbidity and mortality. Screening for hepatitis C is also cost effective.
Keywords: Carcinoma–hepatocellular; hepatitis C antibodies; hepatitis C virus; hepatitis C–chronic; liver cirrhosis.