Universal Hepatitis C Screening Gains Economic Support
Universal testing in emergency departments offers a cost-effective way for all adults to receive needed screenings.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Diseases — General
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Universal hepatitis C screening in emergency departments is cost-effective, according to a new economic analysis. This approach could significantly increase the number of infections identified compared to current risk-based testing methods.
Why it matters
Because hepatitis C often remains asymptomatic while causing progressive liver damage, emergency departments serve as a crucial contact point for patients who may lack access to regular primary care. Expanding testing in these settings helps bridge a critical gap in early diagnosis.
An economic analysis modeling 500 million people used data from the DETECT Hep C trial, which included 147,498 patients across three medical centers. The model found that universal screening costs $12,820 per quality-adjusted life-year gained, well below the $100,000 cost-effectiveness benchmark.
The players
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The national public health agency that currently recommends all adults be tested for hepatitis C at least once.
Denver Health Medical Center
A public health system and major medical center that served as a site for the DETECT Hep C trial.
Johns Hopkins Hospital
A leading academic research hospital that participated as a clinical site for the DETECT Hep C trial.
University of Mississippi Medical Center
An academic health science center that provided patient data as a trial site for the DETECT Hep C study.
The details
Universal screening identifies significantly more infections than risk-based methods because it removes reliance on patient disclosure of potential exposure. Once identified, patients can be linked to an 8- to 12-week course of oral antiviral pills, which cures more than 95% of cases. The process typically begins with an antibody test, followed by an RNA test to confirm an active infection.
Timeline
October 19, 2026: Economic analysis published in JAMA Internal Medicine.
2025: Initial DETECT Hep C trial findings published in JAMA.
2023: CDC analysis on hepatitis C cure rates.
July 1992: End of the period associated with high hepatitis C risk from blood transfusions.
Health Landscape
This analysis updates findings from the DETECT Hep C trial by quantifying the economic viability of expanding routine screening protocols. It marks a shift from risk-based identification toward broader population-level testing to match the high efficacy of modern oral antiviral cures.
Since current national guidelines already recommend a one-time hepatitis C test for all adults, you may wish to confirm with your primary care provider if you have already been screened. If you frequent an emergency department for care, be aware that protocols for routine testing may vary by facility.
The takeaway
Universal hepatitis C screening in emergency settings is a cost-effective strategy to improve diagnosis rates. If you have not been tested for hepatitis C in your lifetime, consider asking your doctor about a routine screening during your next visit.
Further reading
For more on evolving standards for infection screening, see our guide on Diseases — General.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Medical Daily.
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