Evaluation of a rapid, point-of-care test device for the diagnosis of hepatitis C infection

Background: Despite considerable evolution in the quality of laboratory-based testing for detection of HCV, the availability of rapid, point-of-care tests may increase diagnoses by increasing opportunities for testing outside of traditional laboratory settings. Objectives: We evaluated the performance of a new, rapid HCV test that can be used with venous blood, finger stick blood, serum, plasma, or oral fluid and compared it to FDA-approved laboratory methods. Study design: HCV positive subjects as well as subjects at low risk for HCV were tested with the rapid test using all 5 specimen types and results compared to FDA-approved laboratory methods. In addition, performance was assessed in commercially available seroconversion panels. Results: Sensitivity and specificity of the rapid test was equivalent to laboratory EIA and performance was comparable across all 5 specimen types. Conclusions: The OraQuick(R) HCV Rapid Antibody Test appears suitable as an aid in the diagnosis of HCV infection. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.