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Trends in HCV RNA Testing Among HCV Antibody–Positive Persons in Care, 2003–2010
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10 2014
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Source: Clin Infect Dis. 59(7):976-981
[PDF-159.32 KB]
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Alternative Title:Clin Infect Dis
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Description:Background.
A test for hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA is essential to identify persons with active, or current, HCV infection. We assessed trends in HCV RNA testing following a positive HCV antibody result among persons in 4 large healthcare organizations.
Methods.
Data collected from adults with ≥2 clinical encounters during 2003–2010 were analyzed to determine the frequency of, interval between, and factors associated with having an RNA test after a first positive HCV antibody test.
Results.
From 2003–2010, 5860 persons had a positive antibody test, of whom 3570 (60.9%) had a follow-up RNA test. During this period, the annual frequency of persons with an eventual RNA test did not change significantly; however, the fraction of persons who had the follow-up RNA test within 6 months improved significantly, from 45% in 2003 to 57% in 2010 (P < .001, for trend). Persons born during 1945–1965, men, and those with annual income <$30 000 (by census geocode) were less likely to have had a follow-up RNA test done within 6 months of a positive antibody test.
Conclusions.
Less than two-thirds of persons with a positive HCV antibody test had a follow-up RNA test. Rapid ascertainment of HCV infection status with reflex testing to RNA is critical to identify persons eligible for treatment.
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Pubmed ID:24991025
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Pubmed Central ID:PMC6463879
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Volume:59
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Issue:7
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