United Kingdom National Guideline on the Management of the viral hepatitides A, B and C 2015

This guideline is an update of the guideline published in 2008 and, like its previous version, provides guidance for best practice in the diagnosis, management and prevention of viral hepatitis types A, B and C (HAV, HBV and HCV). It is primarily intended for use in UK Genitourinary Medicine (GUM)/Sexual Health settings, but can be applied or adapted for use in other settings where sexually transmitted infection (STI) assessments are undertaken, such as in integrated STI/contraception sexual health services and other specifically commissioned services, including general practice. This guideline is for use by all healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses and health advisers) and for use when dealing with patients who are attending with symptoms that may be attributed to an STI, with concern about STIs, or are requesting screening for STIs. It will also be useful to managers and commissioners of sexual health services in understanding service needs. The purpose of the guideline is to help improve the sexual health of individuals attending sexual health clinics by encouraging high standards of care. The guideline offers recommendations on best practice regarding viral hepatitis for both men and women, including adolescents. The guideline is predominantly based on what a broad range of clinicians believe constitutes reasonable practice, based on best evidence. Evidence is sometimes cited from non-UK sexual health settings and from other settings outside sexual health care where necessary. The recommendations/evidence are graded using the GRADE system (Appendix).