New study tests faster hepatitis c detection for drug users
NCT ID NCT04014179
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study looked at two faster ways to test for hepatitis C in people who recently injected drugs and visit needle exchange programs. One method uses a fingerstick test with results in about an hour, and the other uses a dried blood spot sent to a lab. The goal was to see if these methods help more people start treatment compared to the usual testing process. Over 1,800 people took part across multiple sites in Australia.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could show that simpler, faster HCV testing helps more people start treatment, pointing toward better public health strategies.
- What could go wrong
- This is a completed study comparing testing methods, not a new treatment. Results may not apply to other settings or populations.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for CHRONIC HEPATITIS C are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Alcohol and Drug Harm Reduction Biala
Brisbane, Queensland, 4000, Australia
-
Bankstown NSP
Bankstown, New South Wales, 2200, Australia
-
Coffs Harbour Primary NSP
Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, 2450, Australia
-
Gosford NSP
Gosford, New South Wales, 2250, Australia
-
Grafton Primary NSP
Grafton, New South Wales, 2460, Australia
-
Inala
Inala, Queensland, 4077, Australia
-
Kempsey Primary NSP
Kempsey, New South Wales, 2440, Australia
-
Kobi House
Toowoomba, Queensland, 4350, Australia
-
Liverpool Southwest NSP
Liverpool, New South Wales, 2170, Australia
-
Noarlunga Health Precinct
Old Noarlunga, South Australia, 5168, Australia
-
Northern DASSA
Elizabeth, South Australia, 5112, Australia
-
Orana Centre
Wollongong, New South Wales, 2500, Australia
-
Severin St NSP (Youth Link)
Cairns, Queensland, 4870, Australia
-
UC Adelaide
Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
-
WSLHD Drug Health - Blacktown NSP
Blacktown, New South Wales, 2148, Australia
-
WSLHD Drug Health - Mt Druitt NSP
Mount Druitt, New South Wales, 2770, Australia
-
Wonggangga Turtpandi Aboriginal Primary Health Care Services
Adelaide, South Australia, 5015, Australia
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- A Finger-Prick could change the fight against hepatitis c
- A simple finger prick could transform hepatitis c care
- Can coaching clinics curb HIV? a new strategy puts it to the test
- Can hepatitis c be cured in just 4 weeks? a new trial puts it to the test
- Can a simple roadside test catch liver disease before it turns deadly?
- Could a cholesterol drug and a bile acid pill help reverse liver scarring?