The NHS has announced that thousands of people in England are set to receive rapid hepatitis C testing in the health service’s latest drive to combat the condition nationwide.
The rapid hepatitis C testing technology takes just one hour to diagnose the condition. As part of the hepatitis C Elimination Programme, advanced liver scanning and portable testing units will be rolled out in areas with a high risk of contracting the infection.
This includes community clinical outreach vans, drug and alcohol support services, or at special testing events in some GP practices.
The hepatitis C testing initiative could see England become the first country globally to eliminate the virus as a public health threat.
NHS national medical director, Professor Sir Stephen Powis, said: “This investment ensures the NHS will continue to save thousands of lives and set the international standard in the drive to eliminate hepatitis C by 2030 and while tackling a significant health inequality.
“New portable testing devices and an extension of our landmark commercial deal is helping us reach those most at risk as we begin our final push to wipe out the virus and find and cure any remaining cases.
“We urge anyone who could be living with hepatitis C to get checked for peace of mind – there are a range of ways to get tested, including screening programmes or doing a simple test at home – if left untreated, the virus can lead to life-threatening conditions, but treatment is simple, curative and easily accessible.”
The UK’s hepatitis C burden
Hepatitis C is a virus that targets the liver and, if left untreated, can lead to severe and potentially life-threatening liver damage over an extended period.
Transmission typically occurs through blood-to-blood contact, with those at heightened risk including individuals who engage in substance abuse, current or former inmates, the homeless, or individuals from regions where the bloodborne disease is prevalent.
An estimated over 60,000 individuals in England may be living with chronic hepatitis C without awareness of their infection.
This is primarily due to the absence of specific symptoms until significant liver impairment occurs. When symptoms do manifest, they are often mistaken for other ailments.
Increasing access to advanced hepatitis C testing
NHS England is allocating £4.2m towards the acquisition of 25 FibroScan machines, slated for deployment in various communities and care facilities catering to potential hepatitis C patients.
These scanners are instrumental in assessing liver damage, providing prompt results, and facilitating referrals for further care when necessary.
Additionally, they aid in the early detection of liver disease and liver cancer, thereby improving the prospects for successful treatment.
Furthermore, the initiative involves the procurement and expansion of thirty-four Cepheid GeneXpert portable testing units intended for use in community settings such as GP clinics and correctional facilities.
This expansion aims to enable the elimination programme’s teams to reach individuals experiencing homelessness or substance abuse who may face challenges attending appointments.
Notably, these testing kits offer the capability to swiftly detect hepatitis C virus infection in less than 60 minutes, enhancing the efficiency of diagnosis and intervention efforts.
Following targeted outreach efforts, hepatitis C patients can now receive treatment through the NHS using antiviral medications, thanks to a two-year extension of a groundbreaking agreement with three pharmaceutical companies.
Current treatment progress
Since the inception of the elimination program in 2015, approximately 84,000 individuals have undergone treatment for hepatitis C.
There is optimism that with continued efforts, the virus can be eradicated as a significant public health threat in England, potentially achieving this milestone years before the World Health Organization’s target of 2030.
