Hepatitis C screening

Individuals should be tested for Hepatitis C if any of the following are true:
 * If current or former intravenous drug user, even if injected only once or many years ago.
 * If treated for a blood clotting problem before 1987.
 * If received a blood transfusion or organ transplant before July 1992.
 * If on long-term hemodialysis treatment.
 * Presence of abnormal liver tests or liver disease.
 * If the individual works in health care or public safety and were exposed to blood through a needlestick or other sharp object injury.
 * If infected with HIV.

Pregnant woman getting tested for Hepatitis C is not part of routine prenatal care. However, if she has risk factors for Hepatitis C virus infection, she should speak with her doctor about getting tested.

==Recommendations for Screening: AASLD Practice Guidelines 2009 == 1. As part of a comprehensive health evaluation, all persons should be screened for behaviors that place them at high risk for HCV infection. (Class I, level B).

2. Persons who are at risk should be tested for the presence of HCV infection (Class I, level B).