by Kate Ebbutt

85%

Service users with reactive HBV results confirmed

79%

Service users with reactive HCV results confirmed

35.7%

positive CT results for reactive HBV

Katie Callaghan (Sexual Health London), Chris Kellet (Preventx), Sara Day (Sexual Health London)

Background:

There is limited published data regarding Hepatitis B (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HCV) infections detected via STI e-services. Our regional e-service explored HBV/HCV infection rates amongst its service users (SUs). 

Method:

The e-notes were reviewed of SUs with reactive HepBsAg and/or HepCAb screening results between 1.1.21-1.1.22. Only SUs that disclose risks for acquiring HBV/HCV are offered testing. Unless a previous known infection is disclosed, SUs with reactive results are referred to clinic for confirmatory testing (CT). Non-negative results are categorised according to a cut off index of reactivity (low reactive COI >1-9, reactive COI >10). 

Results:

67718 HBV and 61064 HCV tests were performed: 98.4% (66668) and 99.7% (60896) tested negative; 776/67718(1.1%) and 152/61064(0.2%) were low reactive/reactive. The CT results for all reactive HBV and HCV results were: 277/776 (35.7%) and 45/152(29.6%) positive; 412/776(53.1%) and 95/152(62.5%) negative; 87/776(11.2%) and 12/152(7.9%) unknown. Table. 51/51 new HBV/HCV diagnoses transitioned to hepatitis outpatient services. 

CT outcomes of low reactive and reactive HBV and HCV screening results 

 All reactives  (COI**>1) %/776 Reactive (COI**>10) %/302 
HepBsAg     
Negative 412  53% 35 12% 
Positive* 35  5% 32 11% 
Known carrier 242  31% 225 74% 
Unknown 87  11% 10 3% 
Total 776  302  
Transitioned to clinic 35 100% 32  
     
HCV infection     
Negative 95 62% 7 13% 
Active infection* 16 11% 16 30% 
Known infection 29 19% 26 49% 
Unknown 12 8% 4 8% 
Total 152  53  
Transitioned to clinic 16 100%   
* Previously undiagnosed  ** Cut off index     

Discussion:

85% and 79% SUs with reactive (COI>10) HBV and HCV results were confirmed. Where CT outcomes are known 35/67115, (0.05%) and 16/61007, (0.03%) previously undiagnosed HBV and HCV infections were detected via e-services. These all transitioned to hepatitis services, demonstrating effective collaboration between the e-service and clinics. 

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About the author:

Kate Ebbutt is the Head of Marketing and Communications for Preventx