HWN Suggests

Innovations in Hepatitis C Screening and Treatment

The 2020 standard of HCV care has evolved toward universal screening and treatment. However, there is currently a considerable drop‐off between each step of the HCV “cascade to cure,” from screening, diagnosis, evaluation, treatment, cure, prevention of reinfection, and care for cirrhosise...

The traditional approach to HCV diagnosis requires a two‐step process. The first step involves venipuncture for screening with an antibody test, which if reactive, is followed by a second venipuncture for diagnostic confirmation of viremia, usually using a polymerase chain reaction–based assay to quantify the level of HCV RNA. This traditional two‐step process can take several days or weeks…

read full article

Featured

  U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation

This recommendation incorporates new evidence and replaces the 2013 USPSTF recommendation, which recommended screening for HCV infection in persons at high risk for infection and 1-time screening in adults born between 1945 and 1965 (B recommendation).20 The new USPSTF recommendation expands the ages for screening to all adults from 18 to 79 years.

  WHO releases first guidelines on hepatitis C virus self-testing

New guidelines from WHO strongly recommend offering self-testing for hepatitis C virus (HCV) as an additional approach to HCV testing services. WHO releases the new guidelines – its first on HCV self-testing – during the International AIDS Society Conference 2021.

 U.S. Lags Behind Other Countries in Hepatitis-C Treatment

Despite an arsenal of drugs, many Americans are still unaware of their infections until it’s too late. A Biden initiative languishes without Congressional approval.

Articles of Interest

Most Adults Should be Screened for Hepatitis C, New U.S. Guidelines Urge

The opioid crisis and an increase in illicit drug use have fueled a resurgence of hepatitis C, a viral infection of the liver. Before 1992, the disease spread through blood transfusions and organ transplants, according to the C.D.C. Since then, those sources of infection have been virtually eliminated because of blood supply screening.

NHS testing initiative to eliminate hepatitis C in England by 2025

Liver scanning and portable testing units to be rolled out in communities where people may be at a higher risk.

Don’t Skip Your Hep C Screening in 2024. Here’s Why

The hepatitis C antibody test is a simple blood test that can detect if you have ever been infected with the hepatitis C virus. It's fast, simple, and could potentially save your life. Make the antibody test part of your annual health screenings in 2024 and beyond.

Global health experts say elimination of hepatitis C in the US is possible: How do we make it happen?

With a growing consensus in the global health community that Hepatitis C (HCV) could be eliminated, a new report highlights a key missing element needed to achieving complete elimination — adequate surveillance and monitoring — and explains how modest investments would improve lives and save money.

Hepatitis C Test for Baby Boomers Urged by Health Panel

Although the task force is considered quasi-governmental — and its recommendations are meant for primary care physicians — it can be ignored. It encountered significant resistance from doctors and other medical experts when it recommended a reduction in mammography screening. It also got criticism over its recommendation against prostate screening, although the American Urological Association eventually reached a similar conclusion.

Hepatitis C Testing

Testing for hep C starts off with a hep C antibody test. This test looks for human antibodies – something that your body produces to fight the virus. If your hep C antibody test result is “positive”, then it means you have been exposed to the hep C virus at some point. If you get a “positive” antibody result, then your sample of blood is tested again using a PCR test (PCR stands for polymerase chain reaction). This test looks for parts of the actual hep C virus. If the PCR test result is “positive” it means that you have hep C. Have a look at our Hep C Testing chart for more info on hep C tests.

Recommendations for Hepatitis C Screening

Several organizations have issued hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening recommendations. In general, major guidelines recommend routine one-time universal HCV testing for adults 18 years of age and older, routine HCV screening of pregnant individuals, screening younger persons at risk of acquiring HCV, and repeat screening for those with ongoing risk for HCV acquisition.

Screen All Patients for Hepatitis C

All patients 18 years and older should be screened for hepatitis C at least once in their lifetime, except in settings where the prevalence of HCV infection (HCV RNA-positivity) is <0.1%. Patients with recognized exposures (such as use of injection drugs) should be tested for hepatitis C regardless of age or setting prevalence, and regular periodic testing should continue as long as risk persists.

The Importance of Regular Testing for Hep C

Regular testing for hepatitis C is crucial, especially for individuals in high-risk groups, such as those who use intravenous drugs. With hep C often referred to as a 'silent killer' due to its ability to progress unnoticed for years, early detection through regular hepatitis C testing can make a significant difference to health outcomes. There are two main blood tests used to screen for hepatitis C: one that screens for antibodies, which can determine if a person has been exposed to the virus, and one that measures the viral load, or the amount of the virus in the body.

Why Aren't More Users Of Opioids Or Meth Screened For Hepatitis C?

Complicating the effort to get people screened is the fact that many of the people who enroll in drug treatment programs are uninsured, says Imagine Hope's Sutton. In states that have expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, the program generally picks up the tab for hepatitis C testing and treatment, though often with restrictions.