Record Status This is a bibliographic record of a published health technology assessment from a member of INAHTA. No evaluation of the quality of this assessment has been made for the HTA database. Citation Kisser A. Hepatitis C Virus-screening in krankenanstalten. [Hepatitis C virus screening in hospitals] Vienna: Ludwig Boltzmann Institut fuer Health Technology Assessment (LBIHTA). Decision Support Document Nr. 102. 2016 Authors' objectives Health care personnel regularly carrying out invasive procedures have a higher risk for exposure with HCV positive blood through needle stick injuries. The aim of this study was to analyse the appropriateness of preoperative/preinterventional HCV testing in patients, using available data on the prevalence and transmission risk and in comparison to international guideline recommendations. Authors' conclusions The effectiveness of HCV-tests in patients to prevent infections in HCW or even reduce needle-stick injuries is not supported by evidence. Current guidelines recommend to universally apply precautions in order to minimise needle stick injuries. Recommendations on preoperative HCV screening prior to elective surgeries are based on expert consensus: no clinical studies could be identified that analysed the effectiveness of the testing on infection prevention. Indexing Status Subject indexing assigned by CRD MeSH Health Personnel; Hepatitis C; Humans; Needlestick Injuries; Prevalence; Risk Country of organisation Austria English summary An English language summary is available. Address for correspondence Ludwig Boltzmann Institute fuer Health Technology Assessment (LBI-HTA), Garnisongasse 7 rechte Stiege Mezzanin (Top 20), 1090 Vienna, Austria. Tel: +43 1 236 8119 - 0 Fax: +43 1 236 8119 - 99 AccessionNumber 32016001021 Date abstract record published 11/10/2016 |