TY - JOUR T1 - Strategies for the detection of hepatitis C viral infection in the general population JO - Revista Clínica Española (English Edition) T2 - AU - Caballería,L. AU - Pera,G. AU - Bernad,J. AU - Canut,S. AU - Navarro,E. AU - Bruguera,M. SN - 22548874 M3 - 10.1016/j.rceng.2014.01.008 DO - 10.1016/j.rceng.2014.01.008 UR - https://www.revclinesp.es/en-strategies-for-detection-hepatitis-c-articulo-S2254887414000289 AB - ObjectiveTo evaluate which of the three studied strategies is the most effective to detect new cases of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections in primary care. MethodsThis is an observational, prospective, and multicentre study evaluating three strategies. Strategy 1: provide an explanatory letter to adults assigned to two primary care teams (PCTs), inviting them to have a blood test. Strategy 2: place posters and leaflets in PCTs advertising the possibility of laboratory tests. Strategy 3: reexamine HCV antibody test results in patients with hypertransaminasemia diagnosed within the last two years through electronic records, and determine anti-HCV status in undiagnosed cases. ResultsThere were a total 598 participants (51% female with an average age of 50.6±13 years). There were 238 people (4.1% of letters sent) in Strategy 1, 69 people (0.3% of potential participation) in Strategy 2, and 291 people (100% participation) from Strategy 3. One new case of HCV was found in both Strategy 1 and Strategy 2, representing a prevalence of 0.4 and 1.4%, respectively. Two new cases of HCV were found in Strategy 3, representing a prevalence of 0.7%. ConclusionsThe three studied strategies for detecting new cases of HCV infection are ineffective, especially in regards to their cost and effort. ER -