BACKGROUND: Xpert HCV Viral Load Fingerstick assay (Xpert HCV VL FS) is a point-of-care test quantifying HCV RNA in <1 hour, enabling same-visit diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: This study evaluated time to HCV RNA detection using the Xpert HCV VL FS assay. Fingerstick whole-blood samples were collected from participants in an observational cohort in Australia. RESULTS: In May 2018-2019, 1468 participants were enrolled, 1426 had Xpert HCV VL FS testing performed, and 1386 had a valid result. HCV RNA was detected in 23% (325/1386). Among people with undetectable HCV RNA (n = 1061), median time to result was 57 minutes. Among people with detectable HCV RNA (n = 325), median time to HCV RNA detection was 32 minutes and 80% (261/325) had a detectable HCV RNA result in ≤40 minutes. Median time to HCV RNA detection was dependent on HCV RNA level. CONCLUSIONS: A quicker HCV diagnosis could be achieved by monitoring the time when HCV RNA is first detected with the Xpert HCV VL FS test, rather than HCV RNA quantification, although the current platform does not allow for this. These findings could facilitate new strategies to reduce waiting times for an HCV diagnosis and improve linkage to treatment.
BACKGROUND: Xpert HCV Viral Load Fingerstick assay (Xpert HCV VL FS) is a point-of-care test quantifying HCV RNA in <1 hour, enabling same-visit diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: This study evaluated time to HCV RNA detection using the Xpert HCV VL FS assay. Fingerstick whole-blood samples were collected from participants in an observational cohort in Australia. RESULTS: In May 2018-2019, 1468 participants were enrolled, 1426 had Xpert HCV VL FS testing performed, and 1386 had a valid result. HCV RNA was detected in 23% (325/1386). Among people with undetectable HCV RNA (n = 1061), median time to result was 57 minutes. Among people with detectable HCV RNA (n = 325), median time to HCV RNA detection was 32 minutes and 80% (261/325) had a detectable HCV RNA result in ≤40 minutes. Median time to HCV RNA detection was dependent on HCV RNA level. CONCLUSIONS: A quicker HCV diagnosis could be achieved by monitoring the time when HCV RNA is first detected with the Xpert HCV VL FS test, rather than HCV RNA quantification, although the current platform does not allow for this. These findings could facilitate new strategies to reduce waiting times for an HCV diagnosis and improve linkage to treatment.
Authors: Jason Grebely; Phillip Read; Evan B Cunningham; Martin Weltman; Gail V Matthews; Adrian Dunlop; Mark Montebello; Marianne Martinello; Rosie Gilliver; Philippa Marks; Tanya L Applegate; Gregory J Dore Journal: Health Sci Rep Date: 2020-03-15
Authors: Nor Asiah Muhamad; Rimah Melati Ab Ghani; Mohd Hatta Abdul Mutalip; Eida Nurhadzira Muhammad; Hasmah Mohamad Haris; Rozainanee Mohd Zain; Noraidatulakma Abdullah; Nor Azila Muhammad Azami; Nazihah Abd Jalal; Norliza Ismail; Nurul Ain Mhd Yusuf; Raihannah Othman; Azwa Shawani Kamalul Arifin; Mohd Shaharom Abdullah; Mohd Arman Kamaruddin; Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan; Tahir Aris; Rahman Jamal Journal: Sci Rep Date: 2020-12-03 Impact factor: 4.379