Point-of-care testing program for Hepatitis C screening

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 - HCV Antibody Testing Minimal Dataset

Kirby Institute · NCT05713136

This study is testing if quick Hepatitis C tests done during a single visit can help more at-risk adults get diagnosed and start treatment faster.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment40000 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorKirby Institute (other gov)
Locations12 sites (Canberra, Australian Capital Territory and 11 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05713136 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational program aims to evaluate the effectiveness of point-of-care screening tests for Hepatitis C virus exposure in increasing the rates of testing, diagnosis, and treatment among adults at risk. Participants will undergo a finger-prick rapid test for Hepatitis C infection during a single in-person visit. The study will track the proportion of diagnosed individuals who initiate treatment within 12 weeks of diagnosis, providing insights into the impact of immediate testing on patient outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this program are adults aged 18 and older who are at risk for Hepatitis C infection.

Not a fit: Patients who are unable or unwilling to provide informed consent will not benefit from this program.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly enhance early detection and treatment of Hepatitis C, leading to better health outcomes for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with point-of-care testing approaches for infectious diseases, indicating potential for positive outcomes in this program.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Provide informed consent
* ≥ 18 years of age.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Is unable or unwilling to provide informed consent

Where this trial is running

Canberra, Australian Capital Territory and 11 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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Hepatitis C, Point-of-Care, Rapid Diagnostic Testing, HCV

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.