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Hepatitis Risk Calculator

Estimate your hepatitis B and C infection risk from 13 typical exposure factors — based on CDC and WHO screening recommendations.

Risk factors (check all that apply)

Protective factors

Your hepatitis risk

No risk

Risk score

0 / 28

Severity

No risk

No known risk factors. Routine hepatitis screening is not strictly required — speak to your GP if you have unexplained symptoms.

Risk bands & recommendations

SeverityScoreRecommendation
No risk0No routine testing needed
Low1–3One-time test advised
Moderate4–7Prompt serology + possible PCR
High≥ 8Immediate workup & counseling

How it works

The calculator weights 13 CDC- and WHO-recommended screening factors. Injection drug use carries the highest single weight (4 points) because it is the leading HCV transmission route. Pre-1992 transfusions (3) and perinatal transmission (3) also weigh heavily. A complete HBV vaccination subtracts 2 points (floor at 0) because it prevents HBV infection — HCV remains independently possible. Bands: 0 none, 1–3 low, 4–7 moderate, ≥ 8 high.

This calculator is for self-assessment and does not replace clinical diagnostics. Confirmed diagnosis requires blood tests (HBsAg, anti-HBc, anti-HCV). After acute exposure to known infected material — needlestick, sex with a confirmed carrier — go to an emergency department immediately, since post-exposure prophylaxis is only effective within the first 72 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are hepatitis B and C?+
Hepatitis B (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HCV) are viral liver infections. HBV is mostly transmitted sexually and perinatally; HCV mostly through blood. Both can become chronic and lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer over the long term.
How is hepatitis transmitted?+
HBV: unprotected sex, mother-to-child transmission, needlesticks, shared injection equipment. HCV: shared injection equipment, unsterile tattoos, transfusions before 1992, less commonly sexual. HAV (hepatitis A) spreads via the fecal-oral route through contaminated food and is not covered by this calculator.
Who should be tested for hepatitis?+
CDC and WHO recommend a one-time HCV screen for all adults aged ≥ 18 and HBV screening for anyone with a risk factor. Pregnant women are routinely tested for HBsAg. Anyone with unexplained elevated liver enzymes should also be screened.
What tests are run?+
For HBV: HBsAg (acute or chronic infection), anti-HBc (past infection), anti-HBs (vaccine immunity). For HCV: anti-HCV antibodies (screening), confirmed by HCV-RNA PCR for active infection. Plus ALT/AST as markers of liver inflammation.
Is hepatitis curable?+
Hepatitis C has been curable since 2014 with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) in over 95 % of cases within 8–12 weeks. Hepatitis B is usually not curable but well controlled with tenofovir or entecavir; acute HBV in adults clears spontaneously in 90–95 % of cases.
How can I protect myself?+
HBV: a three-dose vaccine provides long-term protection (standard immunization in many countries since the 1990s). Practice safer sex, avoid shared needles, use licensed tattoo and piercing studios. HCV: there is no vaccine — strict avoidance of risk exposure, especially shared injection or snorting equipment.

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Hepatitis Risk Calculator: Screen for Hepatitis B and C from Exposure Factors

9 min