Reporting & Investigation of Hepatitis C

Table of Contents

A. Purpose of Surveillance and Reporting

  • To provide information to HCV-infected persons on how to prevent exposing others.
  • To identify HCV-infected patients to ensure that they are educated on the need for medical evaluation, how to reduce disease progression, and to provide referrals to medical treatment.
  • To determine the prevalence of HCV in specific populations and geographic locations to better direct HCV prevention and service activities.

B. Laboratory and Healthcare Provider Reporting Requirements

Iowa Administrative Code 641-1.3(139) stipulates that the laboratory and the healthcare provider must report cases of hepatitis C. Report any case with a positive result on any of the following tests:

  • EIA (ELISA) HCV antibody
  • Viral RNA by PCR testing
  • Genotype testing

Note: Please feel free to consult with the Hepatitis Data Coordinator at the Bureau of HIV, STD, and Hepatitis at (515) 281-5027 for assistance in interpreting laboratory results or if you have any other questions regarding a case of hepatitis C infection.

Iowa Administrative Code 641-1.3(139) stipulates that the laboratory and the healthcare provider must report. The preferred method of reporting is by utilizing the Iowa Disease Surveillance System (IDSS).  However, if IDSS is not available to your facility the reporting number for hepatitis C is (515) 281-5027; fax number (515), 281-5698, mailing address:

IDPH, CADE
Lucas State Office Building, 5th Floor
321 E. 12th St.
Des Moines, IA 50319-0075

Disease reporting forms can be printed from the IDPH website.

Laboratory Testing Services Available

HCV testing is generally conducted through hospital and commercial clinical laboratories. The State of Iowa Hygienic Laboratory (SHL) does not provide routine HCV antibody testing for the general public, except as tests of public health significance submitted by local public health agencies or Community-based Screening Services (CBSS) sites. IDPH-funded Integrated HIV and Hepatitis Testing Sites administer free HCV antibody and RNA confirmatory testing for persons who inject drugs.