Recently, the U.S. Preventive Services Task ForceExit Disclaimer (USPSTF) issued draft recommendations pertaining to HIV and viral hepatitis screening and is inviting public comments on both.

The Task Force is an independent group of national experts in prevention and evidence-based medicine that works to improve the health of all Americans by making evidence-based recommendations about clinical preventive services such as screenings, counseling services, and preventive medications.

On November 20, 2012 the USPSTF released draft recommendations for HIV screeningExit Disclaimer. The draft recommendation applies to all people aged 15 to 65 and all pregnant women. Public comments can be submitted onlineExit Disclaimer to the Task Force until December 17. A fact sheetExit Disclaimer that explains the draft recommendation statement in plain language is also available.

On November 27, 2012, the USPSFT released draft recommendations for screening adults for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infectionExit Disclaimer. Public comments can be submitted onlineExit Disclaimer to the Task Force until December 24. A fact sheetExit Disclaimer that explains the draft recommendation statement in plain language is also available.