Hepatitis C (HCV) programs have introduced reflex testing as strategy to reduce the steps in the HCV diagnostic pathway and improve linkage to care. Laboratory-based HCV reflex virologic testing refers to a testing algorithm in which patients have only a single clinical encounter and only one blood draw or specimen taken (in some cases may be divided in two tubes) and sent to the lab. If the sample for anti-HCV testing in the lab is positive, then the same existing or duplicate sample is used for a “reflex” lab-based HCV viral load test.

In the Fall 2020, the Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination (CGHE) was requested by the World Health Organization (WHO) to develop a body of programmatic evidence to inform WHO guidance on laboratory-based HCV reflex testing. This set of case studies described real-world experiences in implementing laboratory-based HCV reflex testing and highlighted operational considerations faced by clinics and laboratories.

Join this webinar to hear from laboratorians, clinicians, and public health officials participating in the case studies and from others who have since been identified as pioneers in implementing HCV reflex testing in new settings. Speakers will present the HCV reflex testing algorithm used by their institution and discuss considerations on issues such as:

Start-up investments in staff training, etc
Revising lab ordering forms and electronic health records
Specimen transfer and storage
Quality control measures
Costs and economic benefits
Equipment requirements
Impact on improving linkage to care

Program
Reflex testing in British Columbia, Canada | Agatha Jassem, British Columbia Centre for Disease Control Public Health Laboratory (BCCDC PHL), Canada
Reflex testing in clinics for persons experiencing homelessness | Andrew Seaman, Oregon Health & Science University, United States
Reflex testing in England | Ruth Simmons, Public Health England, and William Irving, Nottingham University Hospital, United Kingdom
Panel discussion