Identification of persons at risk for HCV infection provides opportunity for testing to determine their infection status, medical evaluation to determine their disease status if infected, and antiviral therapy, if appropriate. Identification also pro-vides infected persons opportunity to obtain information concerning how they can prevent further harm to their liver and prevent transmitting HCV to others. Factors for consideration when making decisions regarding development and im-plementation of preventive services for a particular disease include the public health importance of the disease, the availability of appropriate diagnostic tests, and the effectiveness of available preventive and therapeutic interventions. However, identifi-cation of persons at risk for HCV infection must take into account not only the benefits but also the limitations and drawbacks associated with such efforts. Hepatitis C is a disease of major public health importance, and suitable and accurate diagnostic tests as well as behavioral and therapeutic interventions are available.
Antiviral treatment is also available, and treatment guidelines have been developed.
Such treatment is beneficial for many patients, although sustained re-sponse rates and mode of delivery are currently less than ideal. Persons at risk for HCV infection who receive health-care services in the public and private sectors should have access to counseling and testing.