USPTFS: Hepatitis B screening

Dr. Bobby Lazzara: Published in JAMA Network a Reaffirmation from the US Preventive Services Task Force on screening for Hepatitis B virus infection in pregnant women.

The US Preventative Services Task Force commissioned a reaffirmation evidence update looking at any new evidence solid enough to institute a change in any prior recommendations.

Findings of the review indicated that serologic testing identifies the infection, and Current Interventions are effective for preventing perinatal transmission.

As a result the US Preventative Services Task Force reaffirmed its position that screening for hepatitis B virus provides substantial benefit in pregnant women and should be accomplished at their first prenatal visit.