P68 Have we tested everyone in drug treatment services (DTS) for Hepatitis C (HCV) in England. (28th September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Salehi, Shayon; Kemp, Tracey; Hampton, Helen; Smith, Stacey; Culpit, David; Smethurst, Peter
• Is Part Of: Gut. Volume 69(2020)Supplement 1
• Page Start: A39
• Page End: A40
• Publication Date: 2020-09-28
• Subjects: Gastroenterology -- Periodicals; 616.33
• DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2020-BASL.78
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0017-5749

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Injecting drug use accounts for 90% of HCV in the UK. National guidelines recommend that current and previous injectors (C&PI) accessing DTS are tested for HCV at first assessment with repeat, annual testing if ongoing risk exposure. The National Drug Treatment Monitoring System (NDTMS) shows that 84% of C&PI within DTS in England have ever been tested for HCV in 2017–18. We sought to examine recent testing levels and assess testing in those recorded as 'never injected'. Methods: Gilead has established collaborations with leading DTS providers to support HCV Elimination in England. Through these, we obtained testing data for active clients stratified by injecting status, including: Number of clients 'tested ever' (recorded in NDTMS) Number of clients 'tested within the past 12 months' (not recorded in NDTMS) Results: As of February 2020, there were 77, 703 active clients across the four DTS providers. Ever tested rates for 'Current' injectors were 88%; however only 42% had been tested within the last 12 months (figure 1 ). Conclusion: While ever tested rates in DTS are high, our analysis of this large dataset shows that less than half of current and previous injectors were tested within the last 12 months. Ensuring clients with continued risk are tested regularly, in line with national guidance, is essential to reduce incidence of HCV. The reporting of annual re-testing rates into routine data sources, and publication in a timely manner, should be a priority. Encouragingly the majority of 'Never injectors' have been tested although there remains a significant population that should be tested. Disclosure of interest statement: Data were provided as part of a Gilead partnership with the named drug treatment service providers, which includes funding for data analysts and HCV coordinators.