Screening for Hepatitis B Virus Infection

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force

Release Date: February 2004

Summary of Recommendations / Supporting Documents

Summary of Recommendation

• The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) strongly recommends screening for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in pregnant women at their first prenatal visit.

  Rating: "A" recommendation.

  Rationale: The USPSTF found good evidence that universal prenatal screening for HBV infection using HBsAg substantially reduces prenatal transmission of HBV and the subsequent development of chronic HBV infection. The current practice of vaccinating all infants against HBV infection and postexposure prophylaxis with hepatitis B immune globulin administered at birth to infants of HBV-infected mothers substantially reduces the risk for acquiring HBV infection.

• The USPSTF recommends against routinely screening the general asymptomatic population for chronic hepatitis B virus infection.

  Rating: "D" recommendation.

  Rationale: The USPSTF found no evidence that screening the general population for HBV infection improves long-term health outcomes such as cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, or mortality. The prevalence of HBV infection is low; the majority of infected individuals do not develop chronic infection, cirrhosis, or HBV-related liver disease. Potential harms of screening include labeling, although there is limited evidence to determine the magnitude of this harm. As a result, the USPSTF concluded that the potential harms of screening for HBV infection in the general population are likely to exceed any potential benefits.

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Supporting Documents

Screening for Hepatitis B Infection, February 2004
Recommendation Statement (PDF File, 160 KB; PDF Help)
Brief Evidence Update (PDF File, 160 KB; PDF Help)

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Current as of February 2004

Internet Citation:

Screening for Hepatitis B Infection, Topic Page. February 2004. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf/uspshepb.htm