Test, treat, cure. It really is that easy. 

The Hepatitis C Elimination Roadmap Ontario recommends that all adults be screened for hepatitis C at least once in their lifetime. For individuals with ongoing risk factors, annual screening is recommended.

Hepatitis C testing is simple to implement and can be seamlessly incorporated into your existing workflows. Electronic medical record tools can support integration by helping you:

• Identify patients who have not yet been screened
• Set reminders for routine and annual testing
• Embed hepatitis C screening into standard preventive care

Hepatitis C screening is an important part of routine practice, improving early detection and supporting timely access to curative treatment.

Hepatitis C Testing Information for Ontario Providers

Hepatitis C testing in Ontario is done through both private laboratories and Public Health Ontario (PHO).

Reflex testing (PHO)

PHO now uses reflex testing, meaning:

• The first time a sample tests positive for hepatitis C antibodies, PHO automatically performs a hepatitis C RNA (viral load) test on the same sample.
• This removes the need for a second blood draw and helps ensure faster confirmation and timely linkage to treatment.

Once antibodies are detected:

• Antibodies remain positive for life.
• Do not need to repeat antibody testing.
• Future assessments (e.g., after treatment, re-exposure, or suspected reinfection) require a hepatitis C RNA (viral load) test only.
• Hepatitis C RNA testing uses a distinct PHO requisition.

Your role in
Hepatitis C Elimination

Testing and treating are simple and can be done in a variety of settings, including:

• Primary care
• Addictions medicine (e.g., opioid agonist treatment (OAT) services, rapid access addiction medicine (RAAM) clinics, withdrawal or detox settings, treatment programs)
• Harm reduction programs
• Pharmacy-supported settings
• Virtually
• Correctional institutions

Cure with Confidence

The Hepatitis C Elimination Roadmap Ontario has created a free, continuing medical education (CME)-accredited online course to help primary care providers gain the knowledge and tools needed to integrate testing and treatment into routine practice.