New CDC recommendations about Hep C screening

One time hepatitis C screening for all patients born from 1945 to 1965

Guideline

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all Americans born between 1945 and 1965 should have a one-time screening for hepatitis C virus (HCV), according to new finalized guidelines

• The CDC also recommends that all persons identified with HCV should receive a brief alcohol screening and intervention and be referred to the appropriate care and treatment services for HCV

Rationale

• About 2.7 to 3.9 million people in the U.S. are infected with HCV and approximately 45% to 85% of those with HCV are unaware that they are infected

• A CDC review found that hepatitis C mortality increased significantly from 1999 to 2007

• Nearly three quarters of these deaths occurred in baby boomers

• In addition, an NHANES study found a 3.25% prevalence in this age group

Reference: MMWR