Use and acceptability of salivary hepatitis C virus testing in an English Young Offender Institution

2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (12) ◽  
pp. 1234-1238 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophie Candfield ◽  
Mannampallil I Samuel ◽  
David Ritchie ◽  
Candice McDonald ◽  
Michael Brady ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Drug Use ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Antibody Test ◽  
Young Offenders ◽  
Young Offender ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Hcv Testing

People held in prison are at a high risk of having hepatitis C virus (HCV) and there is a public health drive in the UK to increase HCV testing in prisons and Young Offender Institutions (YOIs), with opt-out testing. There is an oral antibody test for HCV; this project aims to determine its acceptability in an English YOI setting. This project offered HCV oral point-of-care testing (POCT) using the OraQuick® test to 107 male young offenders attending a sexual health service at an English YOI, monitoring HCV positivity and evaluating acceptability. It also investigated young offenders’ histories of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and drug use. Mean age was 19.1 years. A total of 80.4% reported lifetime drug use and 0.9% reported lifetime drug injection. A total of 19.6% reported previous STIs. One patient (0.9%) was positive for HCV on OraQuick® testing. All patients found the POCT acceptable and one stated he would have refused a fingerprick test had it been the only test available for HCV testing. Salivary rapid HCV testing is acceptable among English YOI inmates. It is not as sensitive or specific as standard HCV tests and is more expensive. In our cohort, HCV positivity was low.

A randomized pilot study assessing the acceptability of rapid point-of-care hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing among male inmates in Montreal, Canada

2020 ◽  
Vol 85 ◽  
pp. 102921
Author(s):  
Nadine Kronfli ◽  
Camille Dussault ◽  
Sylvie Chalifoux ◽  
Hasmig Kavoukian ◽  
Marina B. Klein ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Male Inmates ◽  
Hcv Testing

scholarly journals Comparison of Rapid Point-of-Care Tests for Detection of Antibodies to Hepatitis C Virus

2015 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dennis G. Fisher ◽  
Kristen L. Hess ◽  
Erlyana Erlyana ◽  
Grace L. Reynolds ◽  
Catherine A. Cummins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Whole Blood ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Antibody Test ◽  
The United States ◽  
Blood Tests ◽  
Hcv Antibody ◽  
Point Of Care Tests

Abstract Background.  Hepatitis C is one of the most prevalent blood-borne diseases in the United States. Despite the benefits of early screening, among 3.2 million Americans who are infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), 50%–70% are unaware of their infection status. Methods.  Data were collected between 2011 and 2014, from 1048 clients who were in the following groups: (1) injection drug users, (2) women at sexual risk, (3) gay and bisexual men, and (4) transgender individuals. The sensitivity and specificity of point-of-care tests included (1) the MedMira rapid human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/HCV antibody test, (2) MedMira hepatitis B (HBV)/HIV/HCV antibody test, (3) Chembio HCV Screen Assay used with both whole blood and (4) oral specimens, (5) Chembio HIV-HCV Assay also used with both whole blood and (6) oral specimens, (7) Chembio HIV-HCV-Syphilis Assay, and (8) OraSure HCV Rapid Antibody Test used with whole blood. The gold standard for the HCV tests were HCV enzyme immunoassay (EIA) 2.0. Results.  OraSure had the highest sensitivity at 92.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 88.8%–96.5%) followed closely by Chembio's 3 blood tests at 92.1% (95% CI = 87.7%–96.4%), 91.5% (95% CI = 87.2%–95.7%), and 92.3% (95% CI = 88.4%–96.2%). The sensitivities of MedMira HIV/HCV and MedMira HIV/HCV/HBV tests were the lowest, at 79.1% (95% CI = 72.6%–85.5%), and 81.5% (95% CI = 75.2%–87.8%), respectively. Specificity for the OraSure was 99.8% (95% CI = 99.4%–100%); specificity for the Chembio blood tests was 99.2% (95% CI = 98.6%–99.9%), 99.4% (95% CI = 98.8%–99.9%), and 99.3% (95% CI = 98.8%–99.9%); and specificity for the MedMira was100% and 100%. False-negative results were associated with HIV and hepatitis B core antibody serostatus. Conclusions.  The OraSure and Chembio blood tests (including those multiplexed with HIV and syphilis) appear to good performance characteristics. This study has identified potential limitations of rapid testing in those testing positive for HIV and HBcAb. There should be discussion of updates to the 2013 CDC guidance.

scholarly journals The Copenhagen test and treat hepatitis C in a mobile clinic study: a protocol for an intervention study to enhance the HCV cascade of care for people who inject drugs (T’N’T HepC)

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. e039724
Author(s):  
Jeffrey Victor Lazarus ◽  
Anne Øvrehus ◽  
Jonas Demant ◽  
Louise Krohn-Dehli ◽  
Nina Weis
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C ◽  
People Who Inject Drugs ◽  
Intervention Study ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Linkage To Care ◽  
Antibody Test ◽  
Hcv Rna ◽  
Mobile Clinic ◽  
Primary Driver ◽  
Hcv Testing

IntroductionInjecting drug use is the primary driver of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Europe. Despite the need for more engagement with care, people who inject drugs (PWID) are hard to reach with HCV testing and treatment. We initiated a study to evaluate the efficacy for testing and linkage to care among PWID consulting peer-based testing at a mobile clinic in Copenhagen, Denmark.Methods and analysisIn this intervention study, we will recruit participants at a single community-based, peer-run mobile clinic. In a single visit, we will first offer participants a point-of-care HCV antibody test, and if they test positive, then they will receive an HCV RNA test. If they are HCV-RNA+, we will administer facilitated referrals to designated ‘fast-track’ clinics at a hospital or an addiction centre for treatment. The primary outcomes for this study are the number of tested and treated individuals. Secondary outcomes include individuals lost at each step in the care cascade.Ethics and disseminationThe results of this study could provide a model for targeting PWID for HCV testing and treatment in Demark and other settings, which could help achieve WHO HCV elimination targets. The Health Research Ethics Committee of Denmark and the Danish Data Protection Agency confirmed (December 2018/January 2019) that this study did not require their approval. Study findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and social media.

scholarly journals Successful Integration of Hepatitis C Virus Point-of-Care Tests into the Denver Metro Health Clinic

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Jewett ◽  
A. A. Al-Tayyib ◽  
L. Ginnett ◽  
B. D. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Linkage To Care ◽  
Antibody Test ◽  
Care Program ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Return Of Results ◽  
Health Clinic ◽  
Hepatitis C Infection

Background. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends testing and linkage to care for persons most likely infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), including persons with human immunodeficiency virus. We explored facilitators and barriers to integrating HCV point-of-care (POC) testing into standard operations at an urban STD clinic.Methods. The OraQuick HCV rapid antibody test was integrated at the Denver Metro Health Clinic (DMHC). All clients with at least one risk factor were offered the POC test. Research staff conducted interviews with clients (three HCV positive and nine HCV negative). Focus groups were conducted with triage staff, providers, and linkage-to-care counselors.Results. Clients were pleased with the ease of use and rapid return of results from the HCV POC test. Integrating the test into this setting required more time but was not overly burdensome. While counseling messages were clear to staff, clients retained little knowledge of hepatitis C infection or factors related to risk. Barriers to integrating the HCV POC test into clinic operations were loss to follow-up and access to care.Conclusion. DMHC successfully integrated HCV POC testing and piloted a HCV linkage-to-care program. Providing testing opportunities at STD clinics could increase identification of persons with HCV infection.

scholarly journals Acceptability of Rapid Point-of-Care Hepatitis C Tests Among People Who Inject Drugs and Utilize Syringe-Exchange Programs

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua A. Barocas ◽  
Benjamin P. Linas ◽  
Arthur Y. Kim ◽  
John Fangman ◽  
Ryan P. Westergaard
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
People Who Inject Drugs ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Syringe Exchange ◽  
Syringe Exchange Programs ◽  
Exchange Programs ◽  
Hcv Testing

Abstract People who inject drugs may benefit from point-of-care hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing offered at syringe exchanges. We sought to understand whether this population would be willing to undergo rapid HCV testing. We found that there was broad support for rapid HCV testing, especially among younger people who inject drugs with high perceived risk.

Psychiatric and drug use disorders among veterans infected with hepatitis C virus

2001 ◽  
Vol 120 (5) ◽  
pp. A409-A409
Author(s):  
H ELSERAG ◽  
M KUNIK ◽  
P RICHARDSON ◽  
L RABENECK
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Drug Use ◽  
Drug Use Disorders

scholarly journals Rapid point-of-care (POC) testing for Hepatitis C antibodies in a very high prevalence setting: persons injecting drugs in Tallinn, Estonia

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anneli Uusküla ◽  
Ave Talu ◽  
Jürgen Rannap ◽  
David M. Barnes ◽  
Don Des Jarlais
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Antibody Test ◽  
Hcv Rna ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Blood Draw ◽  
Persons Who Inject Drugs ◽  
Oral Swab ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Hcv Antibody

Abstract Background Between December 2018 and January of 2019, we evaluated the accuracy of the point-of-care Hepatitis C (HCV) antibody test (POC; OraQuick HCV) used at a community-based needle and syringe exchange program serving persons who inject drugs in Tallinn, Estonia. Methods We compared the results of screening for HCV antibodies by OraQuick (oral swab) and enzyme immunoassay (EIA; blood draw) and assessed test results implications in a high prevalence setting. Findings Of the 100 participants, 88 (88%) had reactive POC test results, and 93 were HCV antibody positive on EIA testing. Sensitivity, specificity and negative predictive value (NPV) for the POC assay with EIA as the relevant reference test were as follows: 94.6% (95% CI 90.0–99.2%), 100% and 58.3% (95% CI 30.4–86.2%). Of the 12 testing, HCV-negative with the POC only 7 (58.3%) were true negatives. Conclusions Oral swab rapid testing HCV screening in this nonclinical setting was sensitive and specific but had unacceptably low NPV. In high prevalence settings, POC tests with high sensitivity and that directly measure HCV RNA may be warranted.

scholarly journals 1065. Hepatitis C Virus Care Cascade Assessment–One Step Closer to Micro-Elimination

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S561-S562
Author(s):  
Jehan F Chowdhury ◽  
Anna Winston ◽  
Tanya Zeina ◽  
Hong Gi Shim ◽  
Tine Vindenes
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Drug Use ◽  
Sustained Viral Response ◽  
The United States ◽  
World Health ◽  
Viral Response ◽  
Care Cascade ◽  
Care Gaps ◽  
Hcv Antibody

Abstract Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a leading cause of advanced liver disease and death. In the United States about 3.5 million people are living with HCV, but only 50% are aware of the infection, 16% are prescribed treatment, and only 9% achieve sustained viral response. The World Health Organization published an HCV elimination goal for 2030 that strives to achieve a 65% reduction in HCV-related deaths and 90% reduction in transmission. An important step toward this goal is micro-elimination at local hospitals by addressing care gaps in the HCV care cascade. Figure 1 Methods We created a retrospective cohort of patients who tested positive for HCV antibody (HCV Ab+) between 2016 and 2018 at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts. We assessed achievement of care cascade steps including HCV viral load (VL) testing, linkage to care, treatment initiation, and sustained viral response (SVR). We also assessed patient demographics, clinical factors and HCV risk factors. We used STATA/IC 14.1 to conduct bivariate analysis to identify factors associated with loss to follow-up across each care cascade step. Results A total of 24,308 HCV antibody tests were done during this timeframe, of which 5% (n=1,222) were HCV Ab+. After excluding duplicate tests, 1,041 unique patients with HCV Ab+ were included. This cohort had a mean age of 47 years and were 61% male, 66% white, 72% on public insurance, 12% HIV-positive, 13% HCV treatment-experienced. The most frequent HCV risk factor was injection drug use, occurring in 64% of patients. Of patients with HCV Ab+, 76% (n=791) were tested for an HCV VL, of which 50% (n=393) had detectable VL and 50% (n=398) had undetectable VL. Of the patients with a detectable VL, 58% (n=226) were linked with care. Following care linkage, 69% (n=155) initiated treatment, of which 90% (n=139) completed treatment, of which 97% (n=135) achieved SVR (Figure 1). Factors that were significantly associated with getting a VL test and linking to care included private insurance, HIV co-infection, absence of intravenous drug use and cirrhosis; however, these factors were not significantly associated with achieving subsequent steps. Conclusion Assessment of the HCV care cascade at our hospital allowed us to identify clear care gaps and areas needing improvement towards a local micro-elimination. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

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