Most people living with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) are asymptomatic, so opportunistic identification of people at risk is vital. Once you have identified that your patient would benefit from being tested, to ensure complete and timely diagnosis of chronic HCV, reflex testing is recommended.
A good practice tip is to write on the pathology form: “If anti-HCV positive please perform HCV RNA and genotype.”
Resources and supports available to GPs to assist identifying and treating hepatitis C patients include:
- HepatitisWA facilitates professional workforce support for clinicians. If you would like to speak to the hepatitis C GP Liaison Nurse at HepatitisWA, please call Kat on (08) 9227 9802 or email clinicnurse@hepatitiswa.com.au.
- The Burnet Institute Practice Support Toolkit WA provides information and resources promoting hepatitis C testing, treatment and patient support.
- The Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine (ASHM) promote hepatitis C resources for GPs to assist in eliminating hepatitis C and also host various training events.
- The ‘Silverbook’ (Guidelines for managing sexually transmitted infections and blood-borne viruses)
- The “Chronic Hepatitis C” HealthPathway