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

Download Mobile App




Events

ATTENTION: Due to the COVID-19 PANDEMIC, many events are being rescheduled for a later date, converted into virtual venues, or altogether cancelled. Please check with the event organizer or website prior to planning for any forthcoming event.

DBS-Based Assay Effective in Hepatitis C Diagnosis and Treatment for At Risk Populations

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 28 Mar 2023
Print article
Image: Use of DBS samples can break barriers in hepatitis C diagnosis and treatment for populations at risk (Photo courtesy of Pexels)
Image: Use of DBS samples can break barriers in hepatitis C diagnosis and treatment for populations at risk (Photo courtesy of Pexels)

In a bid to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030, the World Health Organization (WHO) has put forth a proposed strategy. To this end, researchers at the Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP, Barcelona, Spain) have been working on developing and validating an assay that can detect hepatitis C virus RNA using dried blood spot (DBS) samples, simplifying its diagnosis. The use of these minimally invasive samples can make it easier to diagnose hepatitis C for vulnerable populations like those who inject drugs. While the new test has shown good clinical performance as a diagnostic tool for detecting HCV RNA before treatment in previous studies by the research group, its efficacy as a test for cure or for detecting reinfection after treatment using DBS samples had not yet been evaluated.

People who inject drugs are at risk of HCV reinfection, which must be treated promptly to prevent further transmission of the virus. However, detecting the virus in DBS samples can be difficult during early reinfection, as these samples contain only a small amount of blood. In a new study, researchers investigated a minimally invasive DBS-based test for monitoring HCV infection in people who inject drugs. The study demonstrated that using DBS samples for HCV RNA detection and genotyping effectively evaluates treatment outcomes and distinguishes between reinfection and treatment failure. These results suggest that it is feasible to decentralize treatment and post-treatment monitoring for people injecting drugs, who may encounter difficulties in accessing healthcare services.

Related Links:
IGTP

HLX
Gold Supplier
Blood Glucose Reference Analyzer
Nova Primary
New
Automated Chemistry Analyzer
TC-Matrix 600
New
Silver Supplier
HSV1+2 / VZV Test
Savvygen HSV1+2 / VZV

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chem.

view channel
Image: Electrochemical cells etched by laser on wooden tongue depressor measure glucose and nitrite in saliva (Photo courtesy of Analytical Chemistry)

Biosensor-Fabricated Wooden Tongue Depressor Measures Glucose and Nitrite in Saliva

Physicians often use tongue depressors to examine a patient's mouth and throat. However, it is hard to imagine that this simple wooden tool could actively assess a patient's health. This idea has led to... Read more

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: A portable smartphone-based POC device for use with EXTRA-CRISPR method for cancer diagnostics (Photo courtesy of UF Health)

CRISPR-Powered Method for Non-Invasive Blood Tests to Help Diagnose Early Stage Cancer

MicroRNAs, tiny RNA molecules that regulate gene expression, have been identified as potential cancer biomarkers in human fluids like blood. Extracellular vesicles, tiny particles actively discharged by... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: The Atellica HEMA 570 and 580 hematology analyzers remove workflow barriers (Photo courtesy of Siemens)

Next-Gen Hematology Analyzers Eliminate Workflow Roadblocks and Achieve Fast Throughput

Hematology testing is a critical aspect of patient care, utilized to establish a patient's health baseline, track treatment progress, or guide timely modifications to care. However, increasing constraints... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: Newly observed anti-FSP antibodies have also been found to predict immune-related adverse events (Photo courtesy of Calviri)

First Blood-Based Biomarkers Test to Predict Treatment Response in Cancer Patients

Every year worldwide, lung cancer afflicts over two million individuals and almost the same number of people succumb to the disease. This malignancy leads the charts in cancer-related mortalities, with... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: The UNIQO 160 (CE-IVDR) advances diagnostic analysis for autoimmune diseases (Photo courtesy of EUROIMMUN)

Novel Automated IIFT System Enables Cutting-Edge Diagnostic Analysis

A newly-launched automated indirect immunofluorescence test (IIFT) system for autoimmune disease diagnostics offers an all-in-one solution to enhance the efficiency of the complete IIFT process, comprising... Read more

Technology

view channel
Electronic biosensor uses DNA aptamers for detecting biomarkers in whole blood samples (Photo courtesy of Freepik)

Electronic Biosensor Detects Biomarkers in Whole Blood Samples without Addition of Reagents

The absence of robust, reliable, and user-friendly bioanalytical tools for early and timely diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases, particularly sudden cardiac arrest, leads to preventable deaths and imposes... Read more

Industry

view channel
Image: The global hemostasis diagnostics market is expected to reach USD 3.95 billion by 2025 (Photo courtesy of Freepik)

Global Hemostasis Diagnostics Market Driven by Increase in Invasive Surgical Procedures

Injury or surgery naturally creates bleeding in living beings, which must be stopped to prevent excessive blood loss. The human body implements a protective mechanism known as hemostasis to stop excessive bleeding.... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2023 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.