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Hepatitis C virus

Project status:

Completed and presented at FIS 2017.

HCV: Hepatitis C virus

Welcome to the webpage for the first NITCAR National HCV Audit.

The aim of this audit is to use available serology and molecular results to
determine an estimated follow-up rate for HCV testing. The two auditable
standards are:

  • Auditable standard 1: in 100% of cases, a first positive (or
    indeterminate) HCV serology should be followed up with repeated serology
    testing on a second specimen for confirmation within 12 months.
  • Auditable standard 2: In 100% of cases, a first positive (or
    indeterminate) HCV serology should be followed up with PCR testing to
    detect viraemia on a second specimen within 12 months.

The audit covers initial specimens received during the 36 months from 1st
November 2011 to 31st October 2014, immediately prior to the introduction
of the newest generation of multi-genotypic anti-HCV agents.

It is hoped that this audit will not only yield publishable data of
interest but will also form the basis for future work to further
characterise follow-up rates and identify areas for improvement. It is also
hoped that a future re-audit after the introduction of multi-genotypic HCV
agents may demonstrate a change in the pattern of follow-up testing.

If you work in virology, microbiology or infectious diseases and you are
thinking of participating, please register your interest by 31st July 2016
by contacting one of the HCV Audit Team listed below: