Who should get tested for hepatitis? Gastroenterologist shares screening guidelines even if you have no symptoms

Hepatitis B and C often cause no symptoms for years, making screening essential for early detection.

Dr Prabhat Ranjan, gastroenterologist at Mahabir Doctor Hub, Siliguri, recommends testing for high-risk groups even without symptoms.

High-risk groups include those who received blood transfusions before standard screening, shared needles, healthcare workers, individuals with multiple sexual partners, babies born to hepatitis B-positive mothers, people with family history of liver disease, and those with diabetes or fatty liver.

The liver has no pain receptors and large reserve capacity, so damage can accumulate silently until jaundice or serious abdominal pain appears.

Ahead of World Hepatitis Day 2026 on July 28, Dr Ranjan urges testing based on risk factors, not symptoms.