Double reflex testing improves the efficacy and cost effectiveness of hepatitis delta diagnosis in southern Spain.

ABSTRACT: This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of undiagnosed hepatitis delta in southern Spain (Andalusia) and assess the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of implementing reflex testing for hepatitis D detection in HBsAg-positive patients. A multicenter ambispective study was conducted in 17 Andalusian hospitals. The retrospective phase (January 2018-June 2022) analyzed diagnostic processes for hepatitis delta in HBsAg-positive patients. The prospective phase (October 2022-March 2023) implemented reflex testing, performing anti-HDV serology on all HBsAg-positive patients without prior testing. HDV RNA testing followed for those who tested anti-HDV-positive. In the retrospective phase, out of 18,583 HBsAg-positive patients, anti-HDV tests were performed on 3,436 (18%), identifying 205 (6%) po

SUBMITTER: Fuentes A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12048655 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature