CDC Recommendations for Hepatitis C Testing Among Perinatally Exposed Infants and Children — United States, 2023

The CDC has released updated HCV testing recommendations perinatally exposed infants and children including:

1. HCV testing of all perinatally exposed infants with a nucleic acid test (NAT) for detection of HCV RNA at age 2–6 months;
2. consultation with a health care provider with expertise in pediatric hepatitis C management for all infants and children with detectable HCV RNA; 
3. perinatally exposed infants and children with an undetectable HCV RNA result at or after age 2 months do not require further follow-up unless clinically warranted; and
4. a NAT for HCV RNA is recommended for perinatally exposed infants and children aged 7–17 months who previously have not been tested, and a hepatitis C virus antibody (anti-HCV) test followed by a reflex NAT for HCV RNA (when anti-HCV is reactive) is recommended for perinatally exposed children aged ≥18 months who previously have not been tested.