FDA Approves First Rapid Hepatitis C Virus Antibody Blood Test

[Bill1954]

“The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on June 25 that it has approved the first rapid test for hepatitis C virus (HCV), known as the OraQuick Hepatitis C Rapid Antibody Test. The test -- already available in Europe -- uses whole blood drawn from a vein, does not require laboratory processing, and returns results in about 20 minutes. A positive result should be followed up with a confirmatory test using traditional HCV testing methods, according to the FDA. OraSure Technologies expects to begin shipping the new test by early August. OraSure has also developed and is awaiting decisions on HCV tests that use a small amount of blood from a finger stick or oral fluid, as currently exist for HIV.”

http://www.hivandhepatitis.com/hep_c/news/2010/0702_2010_a.html

--Bill

[HectorSF]

Great news. Thanks Bill.

This technology for detecting HCV antibodies in blood specimens should help to make the diagnosis of HCV exposure easier and quicker. If the result is positive, a HCV RNA (viral load) test can then be performed to confirm active HCV. By streamlining the process it should help to increase the identification of persons with active HCV.

Combining ease of dignosis with more effective STAT-C treatments, a more proactive approach to diagnosing and treating HCV should be a reality in the next few years.

Hectorsf

[frijole]

Oral or from the vein, it is still better than the tests that need to be sent off
k

[frijole]

uses whole blood drawn from a vein ?  not oral

[Bill1954]

Good point, Kath. I wonder how the oral test works; I guess they can detect antibodies in saliva even though RNA virus isn’t typically found there? Hmm…

--Bill

[frijole]

A postitive note for diagnosis.  Now if they will just include it in the packet of tests run as preventative health care that would be great.  Can you imagine how many diagnosed cases of hep C there will be?