Evaluating point-of-care testing for Hepatitis C in Australia

The National Australian HCV Point-of-Care Testing Program: An Observational Cohort Study to Evaluate the Use of Finger-stick Point-of-care Hepatitis C Testing to Enhance Diagnosis and Treatment of HCV Infection - Minimal Dataset

Observational Kirby Institute · NCT05248555

This study is testing if quick finger-stick tests for Hepatitis C can help people in high-risk areas in Australia get diagnosed and treated more easily.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment40000 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorKirby Institute Government
Locations11 sites (Sydney, New South Wales and 10 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05248555 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational cohort program aims to assess the impact of finger-stick point-of-care testing on the diagnosis and treatment of Hepatitis C (HCV) infection in Australia. Participants will be recruited from various high-risk settings, including drug treatment clinics and prisons, where they will undergo HCV testing. The study will collect data on participants who test positive for HCV RNA, linking them to standard care for treatment. The initiative seeks to improve treatment uptake and contribute to the goal of HCV elimination by 2030.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this program are individuals aged 18 and older who are at risk for Hepatitis C and willing to undergo point-of-care testing.

Not a fit: Patients who are not at risk for Hepatitis C or those who have already been diagnosed and treated may not benefit from this program.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly increase the diagnosis and treatment rates of Hepatitis C, ultimately reducing the disease burden.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success with point-of-care testing interventions for Hepatitis C, indicating a promising approach to increasing diagnosis and treatment.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* ≥ 18 years of age.
* Received point-of-care HCV testing.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Nil

Where this trial is running

Sydney, New South Wales and 10 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Hepatitis CHepatitis C Virus
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.