In Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada advocates for a risk-based screening approach for hepatitis C. Individuals who have or had engaged in activities which increase the likelihood of coming into contact with contaminated blood or blood products should be screened including:
In more recent years, there has been increased advocacy in North America for one-time screening of the "baby boomer" population (individuals born between 1945 and 1965) regardless of their risk factors. Individuals in this age group are estimated to have the highest prevalence of the disease in the USA, accounting for 75% of all HCV infections. This group is also the most likely to have more advanced disease and therefore be at higher risk for significant complications as a result of long term HCV infection. In 2012, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued a recommendation to screen all those born between 1945 and 1965 one-time for hepatitis C. Following this, the Canadian Liver Foundation issued a similar position statement for the Canadian population but expanded the birth cohort to also include those born up to 1975 citing national prevalence data and patterns of immigration for HCV-endemic countries.
If you think you should be tested for hepatitis C you can contact the RECAP Clinic for a free appointment to be tested. We use rapid on-site testing (OraQuik) and with just a finger prick we can give you your results in as little as 20 minutes. Contact us at 657-5699!
If you are positive, we'll make sure all of the education and follow up care you need is there for you right in our clinic.
Once your patient has been confirmed as both HCV-antibody and HCV-PCR positive, how do you proceed? Here is a straightforward guide to referring your patient and what tests they will need in advance to being seen by a specialist for their HCV:
Serology
Haematology/Chemistry
Diagnostic Imaging
Referral
In Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada advocates for a risk-based screening approach for hepatitis C. Individuals who have or had engaged in activities which increase the likelihood of coming into contact with contaminated blood or blood products should be screened including:
In more recent years, there has been increased advocacy in North America for one-time screening of the "baby boomer" population (individuals born between 1945 and 1965) regardless of their risk factors. Individuals in this age group are estimated to have the highest prevalence of the disease in the USA, accounting for 75% of all HCV infections. This group is also the most likely to have more advanced disease and therefore be at higher risk for significant complications as a result of long term HCV infection. In 2012, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued a recommendation to screen all those born between 1945 and 1965 one-time for hepatitis C. Following this, the Canadian Liver Foundation issued a similar position statement for the Canadian population but expanded the birth cohort to also include those born up to 1975 citing national prevalence data and patterns of immigration for HCV-endemic countries.
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