We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress
Sign In
Advertise with Us
PURITAN MEDICAL

CEPHEID

Develops, manufactures, and markets molecular systems and tests for institutions to perform sophisticated genetic tes... read more Featured Products: More products

Download Mobile App




Events

09 Apr 2024 - 12 Apr 2024
15 Apr 2024 - 17 Apr 2024
23 Apr 2024 - 26 Apr 2024

POC Test Advances Hepatitis C Diagnosis

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 10 May 2017
Print article
Image: The Xpert HCV Viral Load cartridge, a quantitative test that provides on-demand molecular testing for confirmation of infection and monitoring of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) (Photo courtesy of Cepheid).
Image: The Xpert HCV Viral Load cartridge, a quantitative test that provides on-demand molecular testing for confirmation of infection and monitoring of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) (Photo courtesy of Cepheid).
A new test that enables diagnosis of hepatitis C infection in a single visit could improve access to early diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment service for some of the most vulnerable people in Australia and the world.

Point-of-care hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA testing offers an advantage over antibody testing, which only indicates previous exposure, enabling diagnosis of active infection in a single visit. The performance of a HCV Viral Load assay with venipuncture and finger-stick capillary whole-blood samples has been evaluated.

Scientists at the Kirby Institute collected plasma and finger-stick capillary whole-blood samples from participants in an observational cohort enrolled at five sites in Australia, three drug and alcohol clinics, one homelessness service, and one needle and syringe program. Of 210 participants enrolled between February 8, 2016, and July 27, 2016, 150 participants had viral load testing results for the three assays tested.

The scientists compared the sensitivity and specificity of the Xpert HCV Viral Load test for HCV RNA detection by venipuncture and finger-stick collection with their gold standard, the Abbott RealTime HCV Viral Load assay. The Xpert HCV Viral Load test is a quantitative test for rapid measurement of Hepatitis C virus Viral Load and confirmation of HCV infection delivers on-demand results in less than two hours.

HCV RNA was detected in 45 (30%) of 150 participants based on the Abbott RealTime assay. Sensitivity of the Xpert HCV Viral Load assay for HCV RNA detection in plasma collected by venipuncture was 100% and specificity was 99.1%. Sensitivity of the Xpert HCV Viral Load assay for HCV RNA detection in samples collected by finger-stick was 95.5% and specificity was 98.1%. No adverse events caused by the index test or the reference standard was observed. The authors concluded that the Xpert HCV Viral Load test can detect active infection from a finger-stick sample, which represents an advance over antibody-based tests that only indicate past or previous exposure.

Jason Grebely, PhD, an Associate Professor and lead author of the study, said, “Requiring people to come back for a second appointment to receive their results can present significant barriers, especially for people living in remote areas and for vulnerable and marginalized populations like homeless people and people who inject drugs, who are the people we need to reach the most in order to eliminate hepatitis C.” The study was published on April 21, 2017, in the journal The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology.

Platinum Member
COVID-19 Rapid Test
OSOM COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
HLX
Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Test
GPP-100 Anti-CCP Kit
New
Gold Member
TORCH Panel Rapid Test
Rapid TORCH Panel Test

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: Reaching speeds up to 6,000 RPM, this centrifuge forms the basis for a new type of inexpensive, POC biomedical test (Photo courtesy of Duke University)

POC Biomedical Test Spins Water Droplet Using Sound Waves for Cancer Detection

Exosomes, tiny cellular bioparticles carrying a specific set of proteins, lipids, and genetic materials, play a crucial role in cell communication and hold promise for non-invasive diagnostics.... Read more

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: MOF materials efficiently enrich cfDNA and cfRNA in blood through simple operational process (Photo courtesy of Science China Press)

Blood Circulating Nucleic Acid Enrichment Technique Enables Non-Invasive Liver Cancer Diagnosis

The ability to diagnose diseases early can significantly enhance the effectiveness of clinical treatments and improve survival rates. One promising approach for non-invasive early diagnosis is the use... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: The low-cost portable device rapidly identifies chemotherapy patients at risk of sepsis (Photo courtesy of 52North Health)

POC Finger-Prick Blood Test Determines Risk of Neutropenic Sepsis in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Neutropenia, a decrease in neutrophils (a type of white blood cell crucial for fighting infections), is a frequent side effect of certain cancer treatments. This condition elevates the risk of infections,... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: The OvaCis Rapid Test discriminates benign from malignant epithelial ovarian cysts (Photo courtesy of INEX)

Intra-Operative POC Device Distinguishes Between Benign and Malignant Ovarian Cysts within 15 Minutes

Ovarian cysts represent a significant health issue for women globally, with up to 10% experiencing this condition at some point in their lives. These cysts form when fluid collects within a thin membrane... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.