A 66-year-old man presents to his nurse practitioner for a routine physical exam. While reviewing his chart, the NP notes that the patient has never been tested for hepatitis C (HCV). What are the current guidelines for HCV testing?

Choice A reason: Historically, testing focused on the birth cohort of 1945–1965 because of higher prevalence, but updated guidelines now recommend universal screening for all adults. Choice B reason: This is incorrect because age alone should not exclude HCV testing. Older adults may still have undiagnosed HCV, and screening can identify infections for treatment. Choice C reason: This is correct. Current recommendations advise that all adults aged 18 and older should receive at least one lifetime HCV screening, regardless of risk factors, to ensure early diagnosis and treatment. Choice D reason: Testing on a case-by-case basis may have been applied before universal screening guidelines but is no longer the primary recommendation.