Routine Testing
- Clinicians should perform HCV screening at least once for all patients ≥18 years old who are not known to have HCV infection. (A2)
- Clinicians should repeat HCV screening in all patients who are planning to get pregnant (A2) or are currently pregnant (B3), and screening should be repeated with each pregnancy. (B3)
- Clinicians should perform repeat HCV testing based on individual exposure to the following risk factors, at least once if risk exposure is episodic and annually if ongoing:
- Injection (A1) or intranasal (A2) drug use
- Hemodialysis (A1)
- HIV infection diagnosis (A1)
- Sex partner(s) with HCV infection (A2)
- Tattoo, piercing, or acupuncture obtained in a nonsterile setting (A2)
- Incarceration (A2)
- Unexplained liver disease or abnormal transaminase levels (A1)
- Clinicians should recommend repeat HCV testing at least annually to MSM and others who are not known to have HCV infection and:
- Engage in receptive anal sex and other behaviors that may tear mucous membranes (A2)
- Have multiple sex partners (A2)
- Are taking PrEP to prevent HIV acquisition (A3)
- Are transgender women (B3)
- Engage in sex while using recreational mind-altering substances, particularly methamphetamine (A2)
- Have been diagnosed with another STI within the previous 12 months (A2)
Potential Exposure to HCV in an Occupational Setting: See the NYSDOH AI guideline PEP to Prevent HIV Infection > Management of Potential Exposure to Hepatitis C Virus.
