Infectious disease

HIV and hepatitis C screening

Summary of the 2020 recommendation from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.

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This is an educational summary written for a portfolio project. Recommendations change; always confirm with the official source.

HIV

Screen for HIV infection in adolescents and adults aged 15 to 65 (grade A). Younger adolescents and older adults at increased risk should also be screened. All pregnant people should be screened, including those who present in labor with unknown status (grade A). Source: USPSTF HIV screening recommendation (2019).

Hepatitis C

Screen adults aged 18 to 79 for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection (grade B). Most adults need screening only once. People with ongoing risk, such as current injection drug use, should be tested periodically.

Notes

Both infections are treatable: antiretroviral therapy controls HIV, and direct-acting antivirals cure most HCV infections, which is why broad one-time screening is recommended.