Mount Gambier

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 studying whether increasing the use of finger-stick point-of-care testing for hepatitis C virus (HCV) can improve diagnosis and treatment rates among people at risk for HCV infection. This observational cohort study focuses on settings such as drug treatment clinics, needle and syringe programs, homelessness services, mental health services, prisons, and mobile outreach. The study aims to address the decline in HCV treatment uptake in Australia and support national goals to eliminate HCV by 2030 through improved testing and treatment access. Participants will receive finger-stick point-of-care HCV testing at various high-risk service sites. The program includes developing procedures, training operators, and quality assurance to support widespread testing. While participants undergo testing as part of the study, they will not receive treatment through the study itself. Those who test positive for active HCV infection (HCV RNA positive) will be referred to standard care for further clinical assessment and treatment initiation. During the study, data will be collected on all participants receiving point-of-care testing to evaluate how many begin HCV treatment within 12 weeks of enrollment. The research team will monitor testing outcomes, treatment linkage, and adherence to care protocols. This approach aims to understand if scaling up point-of-care testing can increase timely treatment and contribute to reducing the burden of hepatitis C in Australia.