In many countries, it takes a long time to receive results from tests for infectious diseases.
For patients, this often means additional visits, uncertainty, and, in some cases, a lack of treatment.
This is also the case for hepatitis C, where a rapid diagnosis is crucial to starting treatment.
Delayed results
Hepatitis C is a viral infection that attacks the liver and, according to international estimates, affects around 50 million people worldwide.
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The disease can lead to severe liver damage and is associated with approximately 242,000 deaths each year.
Although the disease can now be cured with medication, a reliable diagnosis is required first.
In many clinics, blood samples must be sent to external laboratories, and results can take days or weeks.
In the meantime, some patients risk never returning for follow-up.
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A faster test
A study published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases describes a new PCR test developed at Northwestern University in the United States that uses an oral swab.
The test can detect hepatitis C within 15 minutes and is designed for use directly in the clinic.
According to the study, the test is based on the DASH system, which was previously used for COVID-19 testing.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University tested the method on 97 clinical samples and found full agreement with existing commercial tests.
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What it means in practice
Faster testing could make it possible to diagnose the disease and begin treatment on the same day.
This could be particularly significant in general practice and in healthcare settings with limited access to laboratory facilities.
However, the test has not yet been widely adopted. Questions regarding approval, cost, and implementation are still under discussion.
Sources: Science Daily, and The Journal of Infectious Diseases.
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