Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 58 million people worldwide are chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), yet only about 20% have been formally diagnosed. Traditional laboratory–based antibody and RNA assays require infrastructure and trained personnel, limiting their uptake in resource-limited and hard-to-reach settings. The OraQuick HCV self-test (HCVST) is the first World Health Organization-prequalified HCVST, which delivers results in 20-40 min via an easy-to-use gum-swab format. Field evaluations report a sensitivity of about 97%–98% and a specificity of about 99%–100% that are comparable with those of blood-based lateral-flow assays (e.g. , Alere Truline, SD Bioline). Usability studies demonstrated an acceptability rate of over 90% and a correct self-test completion rate of over 85% in key populations. HCVST with the OraQuick HCVST kit provides a practical, evidence-based approach to closing diagnostic gaps, particularly among underserved or stigmatized populations. To maximize the public health impact, programs should integrate self-testing into national screening algorithms, ensure linkage to RNA confirmation and treatment, and consider economic and operational contexts.
Source: World Journal of Virology
Authors: Muneeb Saifullah, Mavra Khan, Muhammad Ashhad Usman, Qasim Mehmood, Abbas M Mehdi
Language: English
Topic: Hepatitis C virus research
Subfield: Hepatology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4414485596