Hepatitis C virus infection risk factors in patients admitted in hospital emergency departments in Picardy. Value of oriented screening based on recommendations of the 'Direction Générale de la Santé'.

Objective And Design: Oriented hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening on the basis of transfusion, previous or current parenteral drug addiction, invasive procedures, and in family members of patients with hepatitis C, was recommended in France by the 'Direction Générale de la Santé' (DGS). The aim of this study was to estimate the frequency of these risk factors in patients admitted in hospital emergency departments in Picardy.

Methods: Between 1 June and 31 July 1996, physicians of the emergency units of seven hospitals in Picardy were asked to question admitted patients about risk factors mentioned in the DGS recommendations, and to suggest a screening test when at least one of these risk factors was present.