The CDC advises that testing for hep C should be initiated with anti-HCV. Individuals with reactive test results should be followed up with an HCV RNA.
Swipe through the following slides for the latest testing recommendations.
Adults born between 1945 and 1965 inclusive, with no prior ascertainment of HCV risk needed.
Anyone who currently injects drugs or who has ever injected drugs, even once or many years ago.
Anyone who has received clotting factor concentrates produced before 1987, when less advanced methods for manufacturing those products were used.
Anyone who was ever on long-term hemodialysis.
Anyone who has persistently abnormal alanine aminotransferase (ATL) levels.
Anyone who is infected with HIV
Anyone who received a transfusion of blood, blood components, or an organ transplant before July 1992.
Healthcare workers, emergency medical, and public safety workers after needlesticks, sharps, or mucosal exposures to HCV-positive blood
Recipients of blood or organs from a donor who tested positive for the Hep C virus
Children born to HCV-positive women
People who are incarcerated
People who use intranasal drugs
People who received body piercing or tattoos done with nonsterile instruments
For persons who might have been exposed to HCV within the past 6 months, testing for HCV RNA or follow-up testing for HCV antibody is recommended