Background: The World Health Organization's aim to eliminate hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection as a public health threat by 2030 is dependent on testing people. HCV prevalence is higher in prisons, so to increase test uptake an 'opt-out' approach to blood-borne virus testing in English and Welsh prisons was introduced.
Aims: This literature review examines the evidence behind the introduction of this public health policy.
Methods: Four healthcare databases were searched for publications between January 2000 and February 2020 on the opt-out approach to blood-borne virus testing in prisons.
Findings: Sixteen studies published between 2009 and 2019 were included. Analysis of their findings showed that an increase in HCV test uptake in prisons occurs when an opt-out approach is used in combination with additional interventions. Contextual differences between UK and US prisons may affect HCV test uptake.
Conclusion: An opt-out approach to HCV testing in prisons can increase test uptake as part of a complex of interventions.
Keywords: Blood-borne virus; HIV; Hepatitis C virus; Jail; Opt-out testing; Prison.