Who should be screened for Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C screening is recommended for all adults aged 18 to 79 at least once. All pregnant women should also undergo this screening. Additionally, certain groups are at higher risk of infection and must be screened for early detection of the virus.

Why is Hepatitis C screening important?

Hepatitis C screening is essential because many people with the infection do not show any symptoms and may not feel ill. A chronic infection can persist for years without showing obvious signs, but it can lead to serious health problems such as cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure if left untreated [2]. Early diagnosis allows for timely treatment, which prevents these serious complications and cures the disease in most cases [1].

Groups at risk for Hepatitis C

In addition to the general recommendation for all adults and pregnant women to be screened, certain groups have an increased risk of contracting Hepatitis C and should consult a doctor for testing. These groups include:

• People who have injected drugs or shared needles or other drug paraphernalia [1].
• People who received blood transfusions or organ transplants before July 1992 [1].
• People who have undergone long-term hemodialysis [3].
• Healthcare workers who have been exposed to contaminated blood or needles on the job [1].
• People born to mothers infected with Hepatitis C [1].
• People with tattoos or body piercings performed with non-sterile instruments [1].
• People living with HIV [1].
• People who have shared personal care items that may be contaminated with blood, such as razors or toothbrushes [1].
• People who have had multiple sexual partners within the last six months or have a history of sexually transmitted diseases [1].

Screening process and next steps

Hepatitis C screening typically begins with a blood test to detect antibodies to the Hepatitis C virus (HCV). If the result of this test is positive, it means the person has been exposed to the virus at some point. In this case, another confirmatory test called a Hepatitis C virus RNA test is performed to determine if there is an active current infection [2]. If an active infection is confirmed, the doctor will diagnose Hepatitis C and provide available treatment options. It is important not to delay treatment, as antiviral medications can cure most people with Hepatitis C within 8 to 12 weeks [2]. For more information on treatment and follow-up, you can visit the page: Hepatitis C: Early Detection, Curative Treatment, and Fibrosis Monitoring (Arabic).

When should you consult a doctor?

If you believe you have been exposed to the Hepatitis C virus, or if you belong to one of the risk groups mentioned above, it is essential to consult your doctor to discuss getting screened. Even if you have no symptoms, early detection can prevent the disease from progressing to advanced stages and improve the chances of a full recovery [1].

Medical references

• Hepatitis C
• Hepatitis C Basics
• Hepatitis C