Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 13, 2026
13:04
A Protocol for Analyzing Hepatitis C Virus Replication
Published on: June 26, 2014
24.1K
Implementation of Universal Hepatitis C Virus Screening in a Tertiary Cancer Center
Harrys A Torres1,2, Khalis Mustafayev1, Ruston P Juneau3
11Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control and Employee Health, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX.
Summary
Universal Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) screening in cancer centers significantly increased screening rates and linked patients to care. This approach also reduced the incidence of HCV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma, preventing secondary primary malignancies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Chronic Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection affects up to 1% of the US population, necessitating universal screening.
- Universal HCV screening is recommended nationwide, with implementation in cancer centers being a key strategy.
- This study details the experience of implementing universal HCV screening within a cancer center setting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the implementation of a universal HCV screening program in a cancer center.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of an electronic health record (EHR)-based multipronged approach for HCV screening.
- To assess the impact of universal screening on patient linkage to HCV care and prevention of HCV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma as a second primary malignancy (HCC-SPM).
Main Methods:
- Initiated universal HCV antibody (anti-HCV) screening for all new outpatients in October 2016.
- Utilized a multipronged approach including provider education, EHR SmartSets, and automated EHR reminders for promotion.
- Focused efforts on patients with solid tumors, while patients with hematologic malignancies already had standard screening.
- Monitored screening proportions, reactive anti-HCV results, linkage to care, treatment, sustained virologic response, and incidence of HCC-SPMs.
Main Results:
- Screening proportion increased from 10.1% to 34.4% over the study period (April 2016-April 2023).
- Of 56,075 patients screened, 1,300 (2.3%) had reactive anti-HCV results, with 59% linked to care.
- Of those with confirmed HCV infection, 76% were treated, and 97% achieved sustained virologic response.
- The incidence of HCC-SPMs decreased from 15% in historical controls to 5.7% after universal screening implementation (P=.0002).
Conclusions:
- Universal HCV screening can be successfully implemented in cancer centers.
- An EHR-based multipronged strategy is effective for promoting screening and linking patients to care.
- This approach helps eliminate HCV and prevent HCV-associated HCC-SPMs, improving patient outcomes.
