What is the recommendation for hepatitis C virus infection screening among adults?

The recommendation for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection screening among adults emphasizes the importance of identifying those at increased risk for the virus. This approach aims to focus resources on testing individuals who are more likely to be infected due to specific risk factors.

Screening is particularly recommended for high-risk individuals, which includes those with a history of intravenous drug use, recipients of blood transfusions prior to 1992, individuals with chronic liver disease, and healthcare workers with needle-stick injuries involving HCV-positive blood. This targeted strategy helps ensure that those who need testing most receive it, thereby allowing for timely diagnosis and management.

In contrast, screening all adults annually may lead to unnecessary testing for those at low risk, while limiting screening to only high-risk individuals narrows the focus in a way that misses the broader population at risk. The one-time screening recommendation for those born between 1975 and 1985 is based on historical data regarding higher prevalence in this group and is not applicable to the entire adult population. Focusing only on symptomatic individuals misses the crucial aspect of early detection, as many with HCV may be asymptomatic.

By prioritizing high-risk individuals, the recommendations aim to optimize both the effectiveness of screening and the efficient use of healthcare resources.