RT Journal
A1 Katz MK
T1 Increase screening for hepatitis b among asians: Comment on “hepatitis b screening in a us academic primary care practice”
JF Archives of Internal Medicine
JO Archives of Internal Medicine
YR 2012
FD October 22
VO 172
IS 19
SP 1519
OP 1519
DO 10.1001/archinternmed.2012.4000
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archinternmed.2012.4000
AB 
Hepatitis B is a treatable disease. Treatment decreases viral replication and hepatic enzyme levels, causes histologic improvement of the liver, and increases survival in treatment responders.1 Persons who are infected with hepatitis B also benefit from surveillance for hepatocellular cancer. Of course, for persons to benefit from advances in hepatitis B treatment, they have to know that they are infected. This research letter demonstrates that even in a best-case scenario, where patients are empaneled in primary care practices in an academic setting, screening for hepatitis B among Asians is extremely low. We hope that publication of this research letter reminds practicing physicians that they should screen their patients who were born in Asia or who are Asians who were born in this country but not vaccinated as infants.