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

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus point-of-care RNA testing: Experience from screening an entire high security Australian prison population over 3 days Chris Wallis,1, * Mim O’Flynn,2 Mary Fenech,3 Dorrit Grimstrup3 1 Prison and Preventative Health Services, West Moreton Hospital and Health Service, Wacol, QLD Australia 2 Kombi Clinic, Inala, QLD, Australia 3 Queensland Injectors Health Network, Bowen Hills, QLD, Australia Submitted: 16 May 2023; Revision requested: 23 July 2023; Accepted: 30 July 2023 Abstract Objective: 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. Methods: 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. Results: 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. Conclusions: 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. Implications for public health: 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. Key words: hepatitis C virus, injecting drugs, point-of-care testing, prison