Explore the operational feasibility of antenatal screening as a case-finding approach for achieving HCV elimination

HCV screening in pregnant women is not currently recommended in the UK due to lack of key information on prevalence, risk factors for perinatal transmission, screening test accuracy and treatment efficacy. NICE recommends that maternity services offer HCV testing for women at increased risk, but antenatal risk assessment/testing is variably implemented. We explored the potential for antenatal HCV case-finding through use of testing data and surveys of testing policies, informing the feasibility of introducing HCV testing/screening in antenatal services.

Findings will support policymakers, commissioners and service providers in optimising existing interventions, implementing feasible, acceptable and cost-effective interventions for viral hepatitis elimination.