American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

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Before initiating treatment for hepatitis C virus infection, what must prescribers test for?

HIV infection
Hepatitis B virus infection
Liver function tests
Genotype of hepatitis C virus

The correct answer is: Hepatitis B virus infection

Before initiating treatment for hepatitis C virus infection, it is essential for prescribers to test for hepatitis B virus infection. This is crucial because co-infection with hepatitis B can complicate the management of hepatitis C. The results of the hepatitis B testing can influence treatment decisions and management strategies, ensuring that any potential risks associated with the initiation of hepatitis C treatment in the presence of hepatitis B are carefully assessed. Testing for hepatitis B is particularly important since certain antiviral therapies used for hepatitis C may have implications for the management of hepatitis B. If a patient is found to have an active hepatitis B infection, additional considerations, such as antiviral therapy for hepatitis B, may need to be addressed prior to or in conjunction with hepatitis C treatment. In addition, while testing for HIV infection, liver function tests, and hepatitis C genotype are also important components of the overall evaluation, they are not prerequisites for initiating hepatitis C treatment. Each of these tests contributes valuable information for patient management but does not carry the same critical implications as testing for hepatitis B in the context of starting hepatitis C therapy.