title: Hepatitis C screening.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Hepatitis C screening is now recommended for all individuals born between the years 1945-1965 in addition to individuals who have high-risk factors. Although most clinicians have extensive experience with the diagnosis and treatment of the disease, they have limited experience screening for it.
  
  
  METHODS
  We report current screening guidelines and methods.
  
  
  RESULTS
  By identifying the disease as early as possible, screening and treatment can reduce morbidity and mortality.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Screening for hepatitis C leads to the appropriate evaluation and treatment of individuals chronically infected with the hepatitis C virus and prevents the progression of liver disease to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and the associated morbidity and mortality. Screening for hepatitis C is also cost effective.
authors.affiliation: Multi-Organ Transplant Institute, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, LA and Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA.
authors.forename: Shobha N
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: Joshi
keywords: Carcinoma–hepatocellular; hepatitis C antibodies; hepatitis C virus; hepatitis C–chronic; liver cirrhosis