Table 5 WHO recommendations for viral hepatitis testing [5]

Testing strategies for diagnosis of chronic HBV infection

- In settings or populations with an HBsAg seroprevalence ≥0.4%, a single serological assay for detection of HBsAg is recommended, prior to further evaluation for HBV DNA and staging of liver disease.

- In settings or populations with an HBsAg seroprevalence <0.4% confirmation of HBsAg positivity on the same immunoassay with a neutralization step or a second different assay for detection of HBsAg may be considered.

Testing strategy for detection of antibodies to HCV

- In adults and children older than 18 months, a single serological assay for initial detection of exposure to hepatitis C is recommended prior to supplementary nucleic acid testing (NAT) or HCV core antigen for evidence of current chronic HCV infection.