The "5 Cs" in hepatitis, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), are principles applicable to all hepatitis testing models and settings. They are designed to ensure ethical and effective testing practices. These 5 principles are:
| Principle | Description |
|---|---|
| Consent | Obtaining informed consent from individuals before conducting any hepatitis test is essential. |
| Confidentiality | Maintaining the privacy of individuals’ test results and personal information is paramount. |
| Counselling | Providing pre- and post-test counseling to individuals, offering support and guidance regarding test results. |
| Correct Test Results | Ensuring the accuracy and reliability of test results through proper testing methods and quality control. |
| Connection | Linking individuals to prevention, treatment, and care services following their test results. |
The 5 Cs are crucial for comprehensive hepatitis testing programs. They ensure that testing is conducted ethically, accurately, and effectively, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for individuals.
The 5 Cs, as detailed by the WHO are applicable to all models of hepatitis testing and all settings (11) 02-Feb-2017.
These principles cover key areas from ensuring ethical testing to ensuring treatment and follow up, and are fundamental to a successful hepatitis program.
