Point-of-care test to detect active hepatitis C infection
Active HCV diagnosis to support prevention of HCC in LMICs
['FUNDING_U01'] · NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY · NIH-11384972
A new rapid bedside test to find active hepatitis C infection in adults, aimed at making diagnosis and treatment faster in low- and middle-income countries.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_U01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11384972 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient view, this project adapts a rapid diagnostic platform (DASH™) to detect active hepatitis C virus (HCV) in a small blood sample. The team will compare the DASH test results to standard laboratory viral-load testing to make sure it reliably finds people with ongoing infection. Validation will take place in clinical settings, especially in Nigeria and similar low-resource areas, so the test works where access to labs is limited. If accurate, the test could be used at local clinics to identify people who need antiviral treatment right away.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults who have screened positive for hepatitis C antibodies or who are at risk for HCV infection, especially those receiving care at participating clinics in low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria.
Not a fit: Children under 18, people without HCV exposure, or those needing specialized laboratory testing beyond a point-of-care viral load test may not benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this test could speed up diagnosis and linkage to antiviral care, lowering the risk of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
How similar studies have performed: Other point-of-care HCV viral-load platforms have shown promise in field settings, but using the DASH™ platform for single-step active infection diagnosis is relatively new and under validation.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, UNITED STATES
- NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY — Chicago, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MCFALL, SALLY MAUREEN — NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: MCFALL, SALLY MAUREEN
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus