Mapping the Required Reporting of Hepatitis C Virus Ribonucleic Acid Test Results in the United States

Abstract

Background: Reporting of hepatitis C virus (HCV) ribonucleic acid (RNA) test results is a critical public health activity to facilitate the elimination of HCV. Comprehensive surveillance of both positive and negative HCV RNA test results is essential to informing and monitoring public health strategies for HCV elimination. Methods: To get the most up-to-date information on the reporting requirements of HCV RNA test results for all fifty states in the United States (US) and Washington, DC (which will be referred to as “states” henceforward), we examined sources like state HCV reporting guidelines and HCV case report forms. For states that we could not find information on, we contacted via email and/or phone call sources like state-based HCV senior epidemiologists and HCV surveillance managers. Results: Ultimately, we found that ~98% of states require reporting of positive HCV RNA test results, but only ~53% of states require reporting of negative HCV RNA test results. Conclusion: All states should have requirements for the reporting of positive and negative HCV RNA test results.