TESTING RECOMMENDATIONS...
follow up testing and care.
The immediate delivery of results, particularly
for transient populations, is one of the most
critical advantages rapid testing methods pose
over lab based testing. In most instances, lab
based testing involves an extended waiting
period for results, which places patients who are
waiting for their results at a disadvantage.
Additionally, rapid testing methods allow
numerous patients to be batch tested at once,
and the delivery of more results in a shorter time
span leads to increased workflow productivity.
In many public health facilities and clinics
that have implemented rapid HCV testing into
their programs, the use of a rapid finger prick
method over a blood draw has resulted in
increased patient satisfaction, particularly for
settings that are testing at risk populations.
Now that the new testing recommendations
are in place, it is critical to ensure they are
being followed. Educational programs aimed
at primary care providers can increase
awareness of HCV risk factors (including birth
cohort screening) that will lead to more HCV
testing. Testing for HCV in primary care setting
with establishing linkages to HCV providers
can improve the likelihood of linking patients
to appropriate care.
knowledge about risk factors and testing
for HCV
• Patients may be reluctant to reveal risk
factors
• Patients may be outside healthcare
system (young, poor, drug addicts)
If left undetected and untreated, HCV can
cause liver damage and liver failure. In fact,
according to the CDC, HCV is the leading
cause of liver cancer and the leading cause of
liver transplants in the United States. The total
medical costs for patients with HCV are expected
to more than double over the next 20 years –
from $30 billion to $85 billion in 2024 according
to the Millman Report entitled “Consequences
of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV): Costs of a Baby
Boomer Epidemic of Liver Disease.”
Advantages of Rapid Testing
If HCV is detected early, successful treatments can
eliminate the virus from the body. Current testing
options, including rapid tests have continued to
make testing easy and accessible. CLIA-waived
rapid HCV tests may be administered in physician
offices or public health facilities and clinics, thus
offering the advantage of allowing immediate
discussion with HCV positive patients about
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