Hepatitis C virus point-of-care RNA testing: Experience from screening an entire high-security Australian prison population over 3 days.

Point-of-care testing for hepatitis C virus (HCV) in high-risk populations is key to diagnosing and eliminating HCV. We aimed to test all occupants for HCV in an entire prison. All consenting participants at the Brisbane Women's Correctional Centre were tested for HCV over 3 days using fingerstick samples. Participants with HCV were linked to care by a Nurse Practitioner experienced in HCV management. 211 of 244 participants of the prison population at the time (86%) consented and were tested. 17 participants (8%) had HCV, of who 14 commenced antiviral therapy ≤1 week of testing, 1 was later approved for antiviral therapy in consultation with a physician, and 2 due for release were followed-up and linked to care in the community. Education and counselling provided before testing was rated as very good or excellent by 47% of participants. Testing occupants in a high-security prison of this size is feasible and can provide an overview of HCV infectivity. Testing combined with linkage to care will support the elimination of HCV in this high-risk population. Point-of-care testing for HCV in prisons with dedicated clinicians, resources, and partnerships, particularly at prison entry, can contribute to eliminating HCV in Australia by 2030.

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Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Déclaration de conflit d'intérêts

Conflicts of interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Chris Wallis reports financial support, article publishing charges, equipment, drugs, or supplies, and writing assistance were provided by Gilead Sciences Pty Ltd. Chris Wallis reports equipment, drugs, or supplies was provided by Cepheid. Chris Wallis reports a relationship with Gilead Sciences Pty Ltd that includes: consulting or advisory. Mim O’Flynn reports a relationship with Gilead Sciences Pty Ltd that includes: consulting or advisory and funding grants. Mary Fenech reports a relationship with Gilead Sciences Pty Ltd that includes: speaking and lecture fees. Dorrit Grimstrup has no relationships, activities or interests to disclose.