From the Guidelines
All adults born between 1945 and 1965 should be screened for Hepatitis B. This age group is at increased risk due to higher rates of infection during their lifetime, although the USPSTF recommends screening for adolescents and adults at increased risk for HBV infection, which includes persons born in countries and regions with a high prevalence of HBV infection, U.S.-born persons not vaccinated as infants whose parents were born in regions with a very high prevalence of HBV infection, HIV-positive persons, persons with injection drug use, men who have sex with men, and household contacts or sex partners of persons with HBV infection 1.
- Screening should include a hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) test followed by a confirmatory test for initially reactive results, as recommended by the USPSTF 1.
- The USPSTF recommends periodically screening persons with continued risk for HBV infection, such as persons with current injection drug use or men who have sex with men 1.
- Vaccination is recommended for those who are not infected and are at risk, although the specific details of the vaccination schedule are not provided in the USPSTF recommendation 1.
- It is essential to note that the USPSTF recommendation is based on the prevalence of HBV infection in specific risk groups, and clinicians should consider the populations they serve when making screening decisions 1.
From the Research
Hepatitis B Screening Recommendations
The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends screening for Hepatitis B (HBV) infection in adolescents and adults at increased risk for infection, including those born in regions with a high prevalence of HBV infection 2. However, the provided evidence does not specifically address the recommendation for Hepatitis B screening in adults born between 1945 and 1965 under Medicare.
Relevant Guidelines
- The USPSTF recommends screening for HBV infection in adolescents and adults at increased risk for infection, with a moderate net benefit 2.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for Hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening may be relevant, as they recommend screening for individuals born between 1945 and 1965 3.
- Other studies focus on HIV screening, vaccination coverage, and breast cancer screening, which are not directly relevant to Hepatitis B screening in adults born between 1945 and 1965 under Medicare 4, 5, 6.
Key Points
- The USPSTF recommends screening for HBV infection in individuals at increased risk, but does not specifically address the 1945-1965 birth cohort.
- The CDC guidelines for HCV screening may be relevant, but are not directly applicable to HBV screening.
- There is no direct evidence to support a specific recommendation for Hepatitis B screening in adults born between 1945 and 1965 under Medicare.