Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection remains a significant public health concern in the United States (US), and timely reporting of HCV Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) test results is critical for surveillance and disease control. This study aimed to map the reporting requirements for HCV RNA test results across all US states. Data were collected from state health department websites, HCV case report forms, and HCV strategic plans. For states lacking publicly available information, we directly contacted HCV senior epidemiologists, surveillance managers, viral hepatitis prevention coordinators, and HCV nursing program coordinators via email and telephone. States were categorized based on their reporting requirements into three groups: (1) requiring both positive and negative HCV RNA test results, (2) requiring only positive results, and (3) requiring neither. The distribution of reporting requirements across the US was visualized using Map Chart. Findings reveal significant heterogeneity in HCV RNA reporting practices, highlighting gaps in standardized surveillance and opportunities for policy harmonization to enhance national HCV monitoring and intervention strategies.
Mustafa et al. (Tue,) studied this question.