HCV screening rates for women in the US are low

HCV screening rates among women in the US are increasing but remain low, despite universal screening recommendations from 2020. By the end of 2022, only 38.7% of pregnant women and 8.7% of nonpregnant women had been tested. The study analyzed data from over 115 million patients across 68 healthcare organizations. It found that screening rates rose more significantly for pregnant women compared to nonpregnant women after the guidelines were issued. Researchers suggest that innovative strategies are needed to improve HCV diagnosis and treatment. Effective interventions include electronic alerts for testing, routine offers by office staff, and testing in nontraditional settings.