Question 1

Who should get a hepatitis C test?

Accepted Answer

All adults 18 to 79 without known liver disease, including pregnant people. Before its March 2020 update the USPSTF advised it only for adults born 1945 to 1965 and others at high risk.

Question 2

Is hepatitis C screening once or every year?

Accepted Answer

One time for most adults. People with continued risk, such as current injection drug use, should be screened again from time to time; the USPSTF says the evidence on how often is limited.

Question 3

What test is used?

Accepted Answer

A blood test for hepatitis C antibodies, then a confirmatory PCR test if it is positive.

Question 4

What about people under 18 or over 79?

Accepted Answer

The USPSTF suggests clinicians consider screening people outside the 18 to 79 range who are at high risk, such as those with past or current injection drug use.

Question 5

What happens after a positive result?

Accepted Answer

Further noninvasive tests check the liver. The USPSTF says treatment usually means oral direct-acting antiviral medicines taken for 8 to 12 weeks.

Question 6

Does Medicare pay for hepatitis C screening?

Accepted Answer

Medicare Part B covers it when your primary care provider orders it: once in your lifetime if you were born 1945 to 1965, had a blood transfusion before 1992 or used injection drugs in the past, and once a year if you still use injection drugs. You pay nothing if the provider accepts assignment.

Question 7

Is the hepatitis C test once in a lifetime?

Accepted Answer

For most adults, yes. The USPSTF says most adults need screening only once, and the CDC recommends a test at least once in a lifetime for every adult. People whose risk continues, such as people who inject drugs, should be tested again from time to time.

Question 8

Should I be tested for hepatitis C in every pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

The CDC recommends a test during each pregnancy. The USPSTF includes pregnant people in its adult recommendation and notes that there is little information on how pregnancy changes the need for more screening.

Question 9

Can I ask for a hepatitis C test without a risk factor?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The CDC says anyone who asks for hepatitis C testing should receive it, without having to disclose a risk, because many people are reluctant to talk about risks.

Who	USPSTF (2020)	CDC (2020)
Adults 18 to 79	Screen, most only once (grade B)	Test at least once in a lifetime
Adults 80 and older	Consider if at high risk	Test at least once in a lifetime (covers all adults 18 and older)
Pregnant people	Included in the adult recommendation	Test during each pregnancy
Ongoing risk, such as injecting drugs with shared equipment	Screen again periodically; best interval unclear	Test periodically while the risk lasts (also people on maintenance hemodialysis)

Hepatitis C screening

When it starts, when it can stop

Who it is for

Test and how often

Hepatitis C test: USPSTF and CDC compared

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