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IDUs may prefer rapid HCV test
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A majority of young adults who inject drugs said they preferred a rapid hepatitis-C virus test over standard testing requiring phlebotomy, according to the results of a recent survey.
“Identifying HCV infections among [injection drug users (IDUs)] is critical for ensuring referrals to appropriate care and treatment,” researchers wrote.
In the study, 129 IDUs (median age, 25 years) were offered a choice between the rapid OraQuick (OraSure Technologies) HCV test, which was approved for use in the United States in 2010, or standard laboratory-based anti-HCV testing involving phlebotomy. Participants were then asked to complete a brief survey about their perceptions of HCV testing and their preferences and reasons for choosing one test over the other.
Most of the participants (82.9%) selected the rapid HCV test over standard testing. The researchers found no significant differences between those who chose the rapid vs. standard test. More than half of the participants (60.2%) selected the rapid test for quick results, and many felt the test was accurate (60.9%) and less painful (53.3%) compared with a test requiring venipuncture.
Of those who chose the rapid HCV test, 84.4% agreed that they preferred receiving their results on the same day and 97.5% said they understood their test results.
The researchers noted that standard tests using phlebotomy require long wait times, laboratory work and often times collection of additional blood samples for RNA confirmation testing — potential barriers to care.
“Rapid anti-HCV antibody testing is likely to be a preferred and accepted method of testing among young adult [IDUs] and has the potential to improve testing rates, enhance prevention programs, and increase access to care,” the researchers concluded. “Further study among other [IDU] groups and at other locations, especially in non-urban areas, is needed.”
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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