Quick Reference

Screening and Diagnosis of Hepatitis C Infection Overview4th Edition

Module Core Competency

Apply Evidence-Based Recommendations to Provide Screening and Diagnosis of HCV Infection

Target Audience

Explore in depth epidemiology related to hepatitis C virus (HCV) and then learn how to screen and diagnose chronic and acute HCV, as well as counsel on how to prevent HCV transmission.

Editor

Maria A. Corcorran, MD, MPH

Maria A. Corcorran, MD, MPH
Associate Editor
Assistant Professor
Division of Allergy & Infectious Diseases
University of Washington

Disclosures: None

1Lesson 1 HCV Epidemiology in the United States

Learning Objectives
- Describe the epidemiologic profile of the HCV epidemic in the United States
- Discuss application of HCV epidemiological data in public health planning
- Identify key risk factors and their mitigation for transmission of HCV
- Describe the impact of the ongoing opioid epidemic on trends in HCV epidemiology
- Summarize Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) case definitions for acute and chronic HCV infection
Quick ReferenceHCV Epidemiology in the United States Core Concepts

2Lesson 2 Recommendations for Hepatitis C Screening

Learning Objectives
- Discuss 2020 Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations for HCV screening
- List the 2020 US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) screening recommendations for HCV infection
- Explain the rationale for universal HCV screening in the United States
- List the CDC recommendations for HCV screening in perinatally exposed infants and children
- Summarize the rationale for routine HCV screening in perinatally exposed infants and children
Quick ReferenceRecommendations for Hepatitis C Screening Core Concepts
Activity 2B.CDC: Know More Hepatitis

3Lesson 3 Hepatitis C Diagnostic Testing

Learning Objectives
- Describe screening and supplemental tests used for diagnosing HCV infection
- Summarize the recommended HCV testing sequence involving antibody and RNA testing
- Discuss post-test counseling messages and linkage to care for persons with active HCV infection
- Interpret HCV test results correctly
- Communicate meaning of HCV test results to persons who undergo testing
Quick ReferenceHepatitis C Diagnostic Testing Core Concepts
Activity 3B.CDC HCV Testing Sequence for Current Infection

4Lesson 4 Counseling for Prevention of HCV Transmission

Learning Objectives
- List common routes of HCV transmission
- Discuss appropriate counseling to prevent sexual transmission of HCV
- Describe counseling messages to prevent transmission of HCV through injection drug use
- Explain prevention messages for preventing household transmission of HCV
- Summarize counseling messages for preventing perinatal HCV transmission
Quick ReferenceCounseling for Prevention of HCV Transmission Core Concepts
Activity 4B.CDC: Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Hepatitis C Virus
Activity 4C.HCV Transmission FAQs

5Lesson 5 Diagnosis of Acute HCV Infection

Learning Objectives
- Define acute HCV infection
- Recognize the clinical features, if present, in persons with acute HCV infection
- Describe the timing of positivity with HCV RNA and HCV antibody tests after acquisition of HCV
- List appropriate laboratory tests required to make a diagnosis of acute HCV infection
- Summarize the approach for laboratory testing following a known exposure to HCV
Quick ReferenceDiagnosis of Acute HCV Infection Core Concepts
Activity 5B.CDC: Surveillance Guidelines for Acute Hepatitis C

The Check-on-Learning Questions are short and topic related. They are meant to help you stay on track throughout each lesson and check your understanding of key concepts.

HCV Test and Cure