Listen - Testing, Care, and Cure of Hepatitis C Can Be Done in Primary Care

Testing, Care, and Cure of Hepatitis C Can Be Done in Primary Care

Medscape
News & Perspective > CDC Expert Commentary

COMMENTARY

Alexander Millman, MD

Despite many challenges, an increasing number of HCV-infected patients are being treated and cured, and many can be managed in primary care.

As we consider opportunities for improving testing, care, and cure of HCV in the United States, it can be useful to visualize a person progressing along a care cascade from HCV diagnosis to cure. In essence, it starts with a person being tested for HCV with an HCV antibody test. If the test is positive, then the diagnosis must be confirmed with an HCV RNA test.

Persons who test positive for HCV RNA should have their genotype checked and an assessment of the severity of liver disease. Their healthcare provider can then implement an HCV treatment plan appropriate to the person's specific needs. Sustained virologic response or cure is determined by testing for the presence of HCV RNA 12 weeks after the completion of treatment.

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