A report highlights the need to update hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing protocols for better diagnosis and treatment. Currently, about one third of patients don’t complete the recommended two-step HCV testing. New report guidelines advocate for single-visit sample collection and automatic HCV RNA testing for all reactive HCV antibody samples, discontinuing strategies requiring multiple visits. Studies indicate that single-visit testing results in more complete testing than the two-visit approach, as seen in settings like the Veterans Health Administration. Ultimately, the report advocates for improved, accurate testing as the first step in identifying persons with current HCV infection to ensure linkage to curative antiviral therapy, stressing single-visit HCV testing strategies to enhance overall diagnosis and patient care.

Reference: Cartwright EJ, Patel P, Kamili S, et al. Updated Operational Guidance for Implementing CDC’s Recommendations on Testing for Hepatitis C Virus Infection. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2023 Jul 14;72(28):766-768. doi: 10.15585/mmwr.mm7228a2. PMID: 37440452; PMCID: PMC10360608.