|
Consensus recommendations |
Grade |
|
HCV seronegative people with risk factors for HCV transmission should be screened annually for HCV infection. |
A1 |
|
The initial screening test for HCV infection is HCV serology (HCV antibodies). |
A1 |
|
If HCV antibodies are detected, current infection should be confirmed by testing for HCV RNA using a sensitive PCR assay. Clinicians should request reflex testing for HCV RNA if HCV serology is positive. |
A1 |
|
Point-of-care HCV RNA tests should be evaluated for hepatitis C screening in high-prevalence clinical settings, to increase rates of screening and reduce the rate of loss to follow-up between testing and diagnosis. |
A1 |
|
Chronic HCV infection can be diagnosed in people who have detectable HCV RNA in plasma or whole blood and the absence of clinical features of acute hepatitis. |
B2 |
|
HCV seropositive people with undetectable HCV RNA (either spontaneous or after treatment) and with ongoing risk factors for HCV transmission should be screened annually for HCV infection with HCV RNA (PCR). |
A1 |