MONDAY, June 24 (HealthDay News) -- The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends screening high-risk individuals for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, and recommends a one-time screening for all adults born from 1945 to 1965, according to a recommendation statement published in the June 24 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Researchers from the USPSTF conducted a systematic literature review to update the 2004 recommendation statement on screening for and treatment of HCV infections in asymptomatic adults.
The Task Force recommends HCV screening in those at high risk for infection; the recommendation applies to all asymptomatic adults without known liver disease or functional abnormalities. In addition, one-time screening should be offered to adults born between 1945 and 1965 (Grade B recommendation).
"Baby boomers account for three out of four people with hepatitis C," Task Force co-chair Albert Siu, M.D., M.S.P.H., said in a statement. "Many people in this age group contracted hepatitis C from a blood transfusion or unknown or unreported high-risk behaviors. Even though they may have no symptoms yet, the evidence is convincing that one-time screening will help find millions of Americans with the infection before they develop a serious liver disease."
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