Scotland - Testing for hepatitis C extended to risk groups

Posted: 13-Dec-2006 << BACK

Glasgow Evening Times Online 8th December 2006

NEW guidelines on the management of hepatitis C recommend increased testing for the virus among at-risk groups. The move will include current and former injecting drug users, the Executive-backed Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network said today.

Tests should also be offered to:
anyone HIV positive
recipients of blood clotting factor concentrates prior to 1987
recipients of blood and blood components before September 1991 and transplants in the UK before 1992
children whose mother is known to be infected with the virus,
people who have been treated in countries where the virus is common
people who have had a sexual partner or household contact with someone with hepatitis C.

The guidelines are designed to cut variations in clinical practice for the 37,500 people in Scotland who have hepatitis C.