100 + INNOVATIONS
Australian Hepatitis C Point-Of-Care Testing Program
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Australian network scales up rapid hepatitis C testing for high-risk communities
Challenge
Traditional hepatitis C testing requires multiple appointments and laboratory visits, causing up to 40 % of patients to drop out before completing diagnosis and treatment. Healthcare services struggle to reach at-risk populations who face barriers to accessing conventional testing pathways.
Solution
This Australian national network uses point-of-care testing to support same-day hepatitis C testing via finger-stick samples. Testing for current hepatitis C infection eliminates the need for multiple visits, reducing loss in follow-up by integrating services into existing community settings. Results within one hour enable immediate treatment. Comprehensive quality assurance protocols, operator training and ongoing support ensure consistent, accurate testing across all sites.
Target customers / end-users
• healthcare providers at drug treatment centres, prisons and community health organisations
• state and territory health departments implementing hepatitis C elimination strategies
• community organisations serving high-risk populations needing accessible testing.
Progress
• AU $ 31m in implementation funding
• 117 sites provided more than 50,000 tests
• 4737 people diagnosed with hepatitis C and 3269 receiving treatment.
Research Project
Scaling impact
TRL 9
Multidisciplinary team
Healthy Living
Australia ' s first national hepatitis C rapid testing network brings finger-stick blood tests directly to drug treatment centres, homeless shelters, prisons and community health services. In partnership with the International Centre for Point-of-Care Testing at Flinders University, this innovative approach eliminates barriers by testing people where they already receive care, improving diagnosis and treatment in high-risk
• 71 communities.