Monitoring for reinfection

Previous hepatitis C infection does not protect people from reinfection, despite the production of hepatitis C antibodies, which persist long term.

Explain to patients who have been cured (ie sustained virological response [SVR] achieved) after hepatitis C treatment that persistence of hepatitis C antibodies is expected and this does not represent active infection, nor does it confer immunity from reinfection.

Perform annual hepatitis C virus RNA testing in people with risk factors for hepatitis C reinfection (see Risk factors for hepatitis C infection), and offer retreatment (with a first-line treatment regimen) to people who are reinfected. The risk of hepatitis C transmission is often higher in this group.