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 HCV Rapid Antibody Test appears suitable as an aid in the diagnosis of HCV infection.
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