Hepatitis C point-of-care diagnostics: in search of a single visit diagnosis. (2nd December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Grebely, Jason; Applegate, Tanya L.; Cunningham, Philip; Feld, Jordan J.
• Is Part Of: Expert review of molecular diagnostics. Volume 17:Number 12(2017)
• Page Start: 1109
• Page End: 1115
• Publication Date: 2017-12-02
• Subjects: Testing -- diagnostics -- rapid -- PWID -- HCV -- RNA; Molecular diagnosis -- Periodicals; 616.0758205
• DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2017.1400385
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1473-7159

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Introduction : The availability of simple, tolerable, therapies for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with responses >95% is one of the greatest medical advances in decades, offering an opportunity to reverse the rising burden due to HCV and strive towards HCV elimination. A key challenge moving forward will be to ensure that those who are undiagnosed are made aware of their infection, receive HCV therapy and achieve viral cure. The availability of point-of-care tests for HCV infection has the potential to simplify testing algorithms, increase diagnoses, and facilitate linkage to treatment. Areas covered : This commentary explores why point-of-care tests for HCV are needed, what markers of HCV can be measured, methods for sample collection, where HCV testing can occur, and the remaining challenges for HCV point-of-care testing. Expert commentary : Currently, we have reached an era where there are now several commercial assays to detect HCV RNA (active HCV infection) in 60–90 min, and have reached a single visit HCV diagnosis. In the future, it is hoped that further technological advances will enable access to low-cost, rapid, and accurate assays for HCV RNA detection, improving the number of people diagnosed with HCV infection and contributing to global elimination efforts.