Published on HCV Guidance (https://www.hcvguidelines.org)

Key Populations: Identification and Management of HCV in People Who Inject Drugs

Recommendations for Screening and Treatment of HCV Infection in People Who Inject Drugs (PWID)
RECOMMENDED	RATING
Annual HCV testing is recommended for PWID with no prior testing, or past negative testing and subsequent injection drug use. Depending on the level of risk, more frequent testing may be indicated.	IIa, C
Substance use disorder treatment programs and needle/syringe exchange programs should offer routine, opt-out HCV-antibody testing with reflexive or immediate confirmatory HCV-RNA testing and linkage to care for those who are infected.	IIa, C
PWID should be counseled about measures to reduce the risk of HCV transmission to others.	I, C
PWID should be offered linkage to harm reduction services including intranasal naloxone, needle/syringe service programs, medications for opioid use disorder, and other substance use disorder treatment programs.	I, B
Active or recent drug use or a concern for reinfection is not a contraindication to HCV treatment.	IIa, B

Recommendation for Testing for Reinfection in People Who Inject Drugs (PWID)
RECOMMENDED	RATING
At least annual HCV-RNA testing is recommended for PWID with recent injection drug use after they have spontaneously cleared HCV infection or have been successfully treated.	IIa, C

Last reviewed:

December 19, 2023