Blood Testing for your Healthy Well Being

New rapid hepatitis C screening test launches in Metro Vancouver

Another rapid Hepatitis C screening test method has been launched in Metro Vancouver, London. The new technique provides results in 2 minutes; Using this intervention, London drug pilots hope to diagnose more than thousands that are unaware of the virus. 



Sexual Health department has recorded a tremendous progress in the advent of the new OraQuick HCV rapid antibody screening method.

The screening test is very efficient that with just a simple finger prick, people can check if they have been exposed to hepatitis C.

The screening test was first launched in Metro Vancouver, as part of a new pilot project. Also, Five London Drugs locations in the Lower Mainland – four in Vancouver and one in South Surrey – launched the new screening program Friday. Some of the locations that offer this screening are Peninsula Village Mall, Park Royal North, Kerrisdale, West Broadway, and Grandville & Georgia

The screening test is affordable; at the cost of $24, anyone can undergo the OraQuick HCV rapid antibody test, which provides a result in 20 minutes.

Dr. Alnoor Ramji, a Hepatitis C specialist and clinical associate professor of medicine at UBC, said that there are approximately 80,000 British Columbians believed to be infected with the virus, making B.C. one of the highest rates of new cases per year in the country.

More than 75 per cent of those that harbour the blood-borne virus are baby boomers, born between 1945 and 1975, but may not know because it can take decades before symptoms become evident.

“We need to raise awareness about the importance of getting tested and increase access to screening – particularly for this age group – so that we can start to treat affected individuals early,” Ramji said.

If a test comes up positive, pharmacists will refer patients to their family doctor for a diagnostic lab test and provide initial counselling.

Advocates hope the easy-access screening can get to those at risk early, preventing more serious symptoms including liver disease, cirrhosis, liver cancer and liver failure.

Daryl Luster with the Pacific Hepatitis C Network was one of the lucky ones to go for years undiagnosed but is now cured.

“Hepatitis C is a silent epidemic partly because most people do not know if they are infected but also because the stigma of the disease has created barriers to diagnosis and treatment,” he said.

“Expanding access to screening through pharmacies will help improve access to treatment and curative therapy, and erode the stigma associated with the disease. B.C. is set to be a leader in the elimination of hepatitis C.”
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