Hepatitis C Testing

NYS HCV Testing Law

Hepatitis C Screening Program

The OraQuick HCV Rapid Test is the only rapid testing technology currently available for HCV screening. Specimen collection methods currently available include fingerstick whole blood and venipuncture whole blood. The finger stick collection method is the only waived HCV screening technology available. Test results are available in 20 minutes.

This is a screening test used to detect HCV antibodies, similar to the enzyme immunoassay (EIA) or the recombinant immunoblot assay (RIBA). This is only a screening test. It is not a diagnostic test. This test cannot determine the stage of HCV infection (i.e., acute, chronic infection or resolved HCV infection). In order to confirm active HCV infection, HCV RNA PCR testing must be conducted.

HCV Rapid Testing Locations

Sites Registered as a Limited Service Laboratory

Programs currently performing other waived tests, such as HIV rapid testing, registered with the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) Wadsworth Center as a Limited Service Laboratory must complete and submit a Limited Services Laboratory Registration - Notification to Add and/or Delete Test Procedures, (DOH-4236e).

Sites Not Registered as a Limited Service Laboratory

Non-clinical providers must register their testing site(s) with the NYSDOH Wadsworth Center as a Limited Service Laboratory to offer hepatitis C rapid testing. This registration requires completion of an application form, submission of the application with a $200.00 fee and submission of the Limited Services Laboratory Registration - Notification to Add and/or Delete Test Procedures, (DOH-4236e). The NYSDOH requires designation of a licensed health care practitioner who will function as site director and provide technical and clinical oversight of testing.

Questions for NYSDOH Wadsworth Center

Questions concerning CLEP requirements related to the protocol should be directed to James Holland at (518) 402-4141 or, via e-mail at JMH33@health.state.ny.us.

Training Opportunities

Training on hepatitis C, HIV/HCV coinfection and integrating HIV and HCV screening are available for free statewide through the NYSDOH AIDS Institute funded HIV/STI/Viral Hepatitis Regional Training Centers. For more information on the trainings go to the Training for Providers page.

Additional Resources

Questions about using HCV rapid tests in New York State can be sent to hepatabc@health.state.ny.us