[Which place for point-of-care screening tests in the diagnosis of hepatitis C infection among drug users?].

Abstract

Hepatitis C is a severe disease, which often evolves into chronicity and for which there is no vaccine available. Therefore its screening is essential, especially among drug users who are the main reservoir of the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Current guidelines for screening are based on the detection of total anti-HCV antibodies (Ab) by means of third generation EIA. This test is performed in a laboratory from a venous sample. Alternative methods have been recently developed, including point-of-care tests (POCT) that offer many advantages. Their excellent diagnostic performance, their quick results and their ease of use by a large number of professionals are arguments in favor of widespread use of these tests. The expected benefits of the use of POCT are individual (better knowledge of HCV status, better access to care and treatment) but also collective (reduction of morbidity and mortality related to HCV and its cost in terms of public health) Because of their clinical interest, POCT should be refunded as well as the currently recommended screening test. In order to optimize their ease of use, POCT use should be integrated into an organized screening and hepatology follow-up system.

• Authors: Noémie Lacroix, Hélène Barraud, Claudine Gillet, Paolo Di Patrizio, Jean Pierre Bronowicki, Raymund Schwan, Vincent Laprévote
• Journal: Presse medicale (Paris, France : 1983) (Presse Med) Vol. 45 Issue 4 Pt 1 Pg. 431-7 (Apr 2016) ISSN: 2213-0276 [Electronic] France
• Vernacular Title: Quelle place pour les tests rapides d'orientation diagnostique dans le dépistage de l'hépatite C chez les usagers de drogues ?
• PMID: 26947910 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Topics

• Diagnostic Tests, Routine
• Hepatitis C (complications, diagnosis)
• Humans
• Point-of-Care Systems
• Substance-Related Disorders (complications)