This study assessed the appropriate use of confirmatory testing and medical follow-up for Indiana patients positive by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for hepatitis C virus (HCV) in 1999 and characterized the risk profile for these patients. A random sample of 363 patients with unconfirmed EIA screening was selected from 3,163 in the Indiana State Department of Health database. The health care providers of 151 HCV positive Indiana patients completed a faxed survey (a 65.9% response rate). Questions included dates and results of any confirmatory testing, initiation of or contraindication to medical treatment, referrals to other physician specialists, history of ancillary vaccinations, history of risk factors for HCV, and the initial provider's medical specialty. The majority (65.6%) of survey patients were appropriately tested and/or referred for further evaluation, 10.6% were not, and 23.8% had an unknown testing status. Of the appropriately tested, 96.5% received adequate follow-up medical care. Only a small minority (10%) of patients received any ancillary vaccinations. The reported prevalence of risk factors for HCV patients in Indiana appeared to differ from that reported nationally, but the study results might not adequately reflect actual risk factors since the reporting relied on the health providers. Limitations of the study include the small sample size and a probable non-response bias preventing generalization of the results. The findings of this study suggest a need for further education concerning HCV among Indiana health care providers.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to:
Keywords: Hepatitis C, Data/Surveillance
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.