Most infected persons are not aware of their status.
Treatment can cure the infection and reduce the incidence of cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Treatment may improve the quality of life. Early recognition of infection improves treatment outcomes. Screening is recommended for all who are concerned about HCV status and in particular for all with a higher than expected prevalence or specific exposure. Screening is recommended for anyone who ever injected illicit drugs, anyone who had a blood transfusion before 1992, anyone who has unexplained elevated liver enzymes, and other indications as summarized in the table.