Laboratories can expect to see a surge in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related testing given adoption of expanded guidelines calling for one-time screening of all baby boomers, who are now more likely to undergo screening given the availability of a new generation of effective HCV treatments. However, this surge in HCV testing is not likely to last long term after the initial wave of screening and associated treatment passes. “In light of the policy implications of greater screening coverage and the emerging therapeutic trends in the clinic, we believe clinical labs will play an increasingly important and visible role to the investment community as the hepatitis market gains steam over the next 12 to 24 months,” writes Darren Lehrich, an analyst with Deutsche Bank, in a research note from March. National estimates say that there are likely more than 3 million people chronically infected with HCV in the United States, but more than half of them are unaware that they are infected. The availability of new, high-cure-rate, direct-acting anti-viral drugs is causing great enthusiasm for screening and treatment, but their high cost is giving insurers and many providers pause, possibly dampening the enthusiasm for screening. “The cost of treating chronic HCV […]