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In 2012, birth-cohort screening was recommended to increase the identification of undiagnosed cases of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in the U.S. population. Other countries have proposed alternative strategies, such as antenatal screening. Although this approach may yield a higher rate of HCV cases, the costs of diagnostic testing and subsequent treatment are higher.
Researchers in the U.K. evaluated the cost-effectiveness of routine screening for HCV antibody in women receiving antenatal care at a London hospital between 2003 and 2013. They used a previously validated model of HCV disease progression and cost-effectiveness and took a healthcare payer perspective, including only direct medical costs.
During the study period, 35,355 women …