Hepatitis C

Initial screening for Hepatitis C can now be undertaken without the need for a blood sample. The OraSure^® collection device collects a non-invasive oral sample which is ideal to identify blood borne viruses as part of a screening programme.

An initial antibody test indicates whether a person has ever been infected with Hepatitis C. The sample is tested for Hepatitis C antibody (Anti-HCV). This means that wider screening of high risk groups can now be undertaken without taking blood and unnecessarily exposing health care workers to risk.

If positive, a second confirmatory test is required to confirm the identity prior to issuing the result. It is recommended that this second test is undertaken with a blood sample. This blood sample can be used to provide further testing. For example, to see if chronic infection is present, the genotype, (suitability for treatment) and the viral load.

“As an alternative for patients with difficult veins or who decline blood testing or where there are practical difficulties in obtaining a blood sample, oral fluid testing using the OraSure® Oral Mucosal Transudate (OMT) sample collector under controlled sampling conditions, using appropriately modified and validated immunoassays is accurate and suitable for clinical screening in this group”.

Dr S Cameron Nov 2002 (Communication for the Hep C Strategy for England Consultation Document)