Bibliographic information
Recommendation
In all settings (and regardless of whether delivered through facility- or community based testing), it is recommended that serological testing for HCV antibody (anti- HCV) be offered with linkage to prevention, care and treatment services to the following individuals:
- Adults and adolescents from populations most affected by HCV infection
(i.e. who are either part of a population with high HCV seroprevalence or who have a history of exposure and/or high-risk behaviours for HCV infection);
- Adults, adolescents and children with a clinical suspicion of chronic viral
hepatitis (i.e. symptoms, signs, laboratory markers). Note: Periodic re-testing using HCV NAT should be considered for those with ongoing risk of acquisition or reinfection
Recommended in favor
Strong
Certainty of evidence
Low
Notes and Remarks
Includes those who are either part of a population with higher seroprevalence (e.g., some mobile/migrant populations from high/intermediate endemic countries, and certain indigenous populations), or who have a history of exposure or high-risk behaviours for HCV infection (e.g., people who inject drugs, people in prisons and other closed settings, men who have sex with men and sex workers, and HIV-infected persons, children of mothers with chronic HCV infection, especially if HIV-coinfected).
Also Featured In
This recommendation also appears in the following guidelines:
WHO guidelines on hepatitis B and C testing.