Viral Hepatitis Surveillance in a Changing Environment: New Hepatitis C Testing Recommendations

Brief Summary
Staff from the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) staff will present findings from the formal evaluation of the viral hepatitis surveillance system and give updates about new testing algorithm for viral hepatitis C (HCV) in the absence of RIBA test kits.  State and local epidemiologists who attend this round table will be encouraged to share their experiences with regard to new recommendations for HCV testing and linkage to care.  Information shared by state and local viral hepatitis surveillance programs will be used to guide current and future activities of DVH/ST. The DVH has initiated activities to improve viral hepatitis surveillance, as outlined in the HHS Action Plan for the Prevention, Care & Treatment of Viral Hepatitis.  The success of the plan and the ability to provide reliable and valid viral hepatitis data for public health decision-making and action is dependent on collaborations between local, state, and national public health partners.