CDC recommends HBV screening at least once in a lifetime for all adults aged ≥18 years

Summary: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued new recommendations for screening and testing for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in the US.

The recommendations include screening for HBV infection at least once in a lifetime for adults aged ≥18 years and more frequent testing for persons at increased risk for HBV infection. The risk groups include:

• Persons incarcerated or formerly incarcerated in jail, prison, or other detention settings.
• Persons with a history of sexually transmitted infections or multiple sex partners.
• Persons with a history of hepatitis C virus infection.

The CDC recommends using the triple panel (HBsAg, anti-HBs, and total anti-HBc) for initial screening to help identify persons who have an active HBV infection, have resolved infection and might be susceptible to reactivation, are susceptible and need vaccination, or are vaccinated.

Article: Screening and Testing for Hepatitis B Virus Infection: CDC Recommendations — United States, 2023 – Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report

Commentaries:

Universal Adult Hepatitis B Screening and Vaccination as the Path to Elimination – JAMA

CDC recommends hepatitis B screening for all adults – CIDRAP

CDC Recommends Universal Screening for Hepatitis B Virus – HCP Live

Commentary on Twitter

CDC recommends that all adults get tested for #HepatitisB at least once in their life. Ask your doctor if you’ve been tested. Learn more: https://t.co/kLBZyQYZtQ @CDCMMWR pic.twitter.com/EBkQ9s4MsQ

— CDC (@CDCgov) March 9, 2023