Screening for viral hepatitis: the relevance of the problem and ways of improving (literature review)

The relevance of screening is discussed in the review in indissoluble connection with World Health Organization position on the need to eliminate hepatitis С viral infection by 2030 in Europe and the US. It was quoted the definition of screening and the criteria that make screening appropriate. The indications for screening, given in the National Guidelines, and the need for their clarification in accordance with the epidemiological situation in Ukraine are discussed. Based on an analysis of 55 literature sources, the authors conclude that screening is an important tool that opens a way to antiviral treatment for the patients with hepatitis. Screening should be properly organized, because otherwise it will be inefficient or extremely expensive. Generally accepted criteria for the screening should be adapted to the epidemiological situation in the region, taking into account the prevailing routs of transmission. Patients can be recruited for screening through the media, but the most effective is selection that conducted by health professionals. It is necessary to constantly adapt the criteria for selecting patients for screening in accordance with the changing epidemiological situation over time.