American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

What is the recommended screening age for HCV?

1. All adults 40-60 years

2. All adults 1945-1965

3. Only those showing symptoms

4. Only high-risk individuals

The correct answer is: All adults 1945-1965

The recommended screening age for Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is all adults born between 1945 and 1965. This specific cohort was identified as having a higher prevalence of HCV infection, which is often asymptomatic in its early stages. Routine screening for this age group is crucial because it allows for early detection and treatment, improving health outcomes and reducing the risk of complications associated with chronic HCV, such as liver disease and liver cancer. The recommendation is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). By focusing on this birth cohort, health professionals aim to efficiently target screening efforts where they are most likely to identify previously undiagnosed infections. Individuals outside of this age group may also need screening based on individual risk factors, but the universal recommendation specifically emphasizes this age range due to the significant burden of disease within it.