Hackney

Researchers are evaluating the impact of scaling up finger-stick point-of-care testing for hepatitis C virus (HCV) to improve diagnosis and treatment rates. This observational cohort study focuses on people at risk of HCV infection, including those attending services like drug treatment clinics, needle and syringe programs, prisons, mental health services, and homelessness support. The study aims to address declining treatment uptake and challenges caused by COVID-19, contributing to national efforts to eliminate HCV by 2030. Participants will be offered finger-stick point-of-care testing for HCV antibodies, with results available within 1 to 20 minutes. If the antibody test is positive, a point-of-care HCV RNA test will be done to detect active infection. Those previously infected or treated will directly receive the HCV RNA test. No treatment is provided within the study, but participants with active infection will be connected to standard care services for clinical assessment and treatment initiation. Participants attend a single visit for testing and to complete a self-administered survey. The study will monitor the proportion of participants who start HCV treatment within 12 weeks after testing positive for HCV RNA. Researchers will also link survey data to health records to assess long-term impacts of expanded HCV testing and treatment. This approach aims to improve diagnosis rates and support efforts to reduce HCV-related health burdens.

Researchers are evaluating whether offering a rapid finger-prick screening test for Hepatitis C virus (HCV) exposure before a diagnostic test can increase testing, diagnosis, and treatment rates among adults at risk for HCV infection. This observational study focuses on people recruited from settings that serve individuals with risk factors for acquiring Hepatitis C. The main goal is to determine the proportion of participants diagnosed with HCV who start treatment within 12 weeks after diagnosis. Participants will have one in-person visit where they provide informed consent and undergo a finger-prick rapid screening test for Hepatitis C antibodies. Those with no prior Hepatitis C infection will be screened for immune response to the virus. Participants with a positive screening result or previous infection history will receive a diagnostic test for Hepatitis C at the same visit. The study does not provide treatment; those diagnosed will be referred to standard care services for further assessment and treatment. During the study, researchers will review participant records 12 weeks after their Hepatitis C test to collect data on treatment initiation. The key outcome measured is the proportion of participants with confirmed infection who begin treatment within 12 weeks of diagnosis. This study helps understand how point-of-care testing impacts the diagnosis and treatment pathway for Hepatitis C in adults.