Hepatitis C screening tool used in the Emergency Department
Official title: Assessing performance of a Hepatitis C Emergency Department (HepC-END) Screening Tool
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-11382461 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new ED screening tool helps identify people at risk for hepatitis C so they can get diagnosed and treated sooner.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $644,499 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA057886-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11382461 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults visiting emergency departments who may be at risk for hepatitis C, including those with a history of injection drug use or HIV exposure risk factors.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without risk factors or those who opt out or are already screened and treated may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to create and test a tailored screening approach in emergency departments to better detect hepatitis C, especially among people who use drugs and may not disclose risk factors. It will leverage AI-based indicators and real-world ED workflows to identify high-risk individuals. The study will implement the screening, monitor its performance, and compare outcomes to current screening practices. By improving detection, the program hopes to connect patients with timely care and reduce hepatitis C-related harm.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could be diagnosed earlier and linked to treatment, reducing illness and transmission.
How similar studies have gone: Previous ED-based screening programs have identified undiagnosed hepatitis C, but this project aims to improve targeting and sustainability with AI-based methods.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Park, Haesuk — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Park, Haesuk
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.