NewKerala.com

World-First Fingerstick Test for Hepatitis B DNA Proves Highly Accurate

A groundbreaking Australian trial has validated a fingerstick test for hepatitis B DNA that matches the accuracy of standard laboratory testing. The point-of-care test provides results within an hour and can be administered in small, remote clinics, overcoming the delays of traditional methods. This innovation is critical for the estimated 254 million people affected by hepatitis B globally, where only about 8% of chronic cases receive treatment. The test is a major step toward meeting the World Health Organization's goal of eliminating hepatitis B as a public health threat by 2030.

Key Points: Fingerstick Hepatitis B DNA Test as Accurate as Lab Testing

  • Delivers results within 60 minutes
  • Uses a simple fingerstick blood sample
  • Can be performed in decentralized clinics
  • Supports WHO's 2030 hepatitis B elimination target
2 min read

World-first fingerstick test to expand hepatitis B diagnosis access

A new fingerstick test delivers hepatitis B DNA results in an hour, expanding access to diagnosis and treatment in remote, resource-limited areas.

"The fingerstick point-of-care test is highly accurate, closely matching the accuracy of traditional tests. - Professor Gail Matthews"

New Delhi, Feb 5

A world-first Australian trial has found that a simple fingerstick test for hepatitis B DNA is as accurate as standard lab testing, paving the way for wider access in remote and resource-limited settings.

Published in the Journal of Clinical Microbiology, the study showed that the point-of-care test can deliver results within an hour and be performed in decentralised clinics, Xinhua news agency reported.

The fingerstick test can help overcome delays caused by laboratory-based testing, according to a statement from the Kirby Institute at the University of New South Wales in Australia.

"The results of our trial found that the fingerstick point-of-care test is highly accurate, closely matching the accuracy of traditional tests," said Professor Gail Matthews, who led the research at the Kirby Institute.

The finding has the potential to "expand access to testing and treatment globally," especially where access to testing is limited, Matthews said.

Hepatitis B, a viral infection that attacks the liver, affects an estimated 254 million people worldwide and causes over 1 million deaths annually, as per global statistics.

Though preventable by vaccine, only about 8 per cent of those living with chronic hepatitis B receive treatment, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Currently, hepatitis B DNA testing, for both diagnosis and monitoring, requires collecting a venous blood sample to be processed in centralised laboratories, meaning patients can need to travel long distances to take the test, and then often wait days or weeks for results. This delay and the multiple clinic visits involved can hinder timely treatment and care.

In comparison, the new point-of-care test can be done in small health clinics using a finger stick blood sample, which can be performed by a broader range of health care workers, and provides a result within 60 minutes.

It is an effective alternative to laboratory testing for many infectious diseases, including hepatitis C, but until now, its efficacy for hepatitis B DNA using finger stick blood has been unknown.

The new test could also support global efforts to meet the WHO target of eliminating hepatitis B as a public health threat by 2030, the researchers said.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Fantastic innovation. My uncle had to travel 3 hours to the district hospital just for a blood draw and then wait a week for his hepatitis B results. The delay and stress were terrible. This test would have made such a difference.
R
Rohit P
Great news, but the real challenge will be cost and distribution. Will it be affordable for our government to deploy at scale in sub-centres and PHCs? And will ASHA workers be trained to use it? The tech is promising, but implementation is key.
S
Sarah B
As someone working in global health, this is exactly the kind of innovation we need. The 8% treatment statistic is heartbreaking. Point-of-care diagnostics are crucial for reaching elimination targets. Kudos to the research team.
V
Vikram M
Hope our health ministry is paying attention. We should partner with the developers for trials in Indian conditions. We have the need and the network of health workers. Let's not be late adopters on this one.
N
Nikhil C
A respectful criticism: While this is excellent for diagnosis, the article doesn't mention if the test can monitor viral load for those already on treatment. That's also a major hurdle in remote areas. Still, a big step forward!
M
Meera T

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50