State-first Hep C testing blitz

Getting access to life saving Hepatitis C cures requires people to get tested!  

Making testing easier for people is essential to NSW achieving its goal of eliminating Hepatitis C as a public health concern by 2028. 

The NSW Health Dried Blood Spot (DBS) Validation Sub-study is an Australian-first research study, aiming to make DBS readily available by achieving Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approval. SESLHD Drug and Alcohol Services ran the first testing blitzes in NSW as part of this study. 

DBS is a finger prick test for Hepatitis C, currently only available as part of a NSW Health research study. DBS is an important testing modality that allows people to be tested in a range of non-clinical settings in the community. It tests a person for Hepatitis C with just a finger prick of blood rather than needing to have full blood draws, which can be a barrier that prevents people getting tested, diagnosed and treated. DBS has been an important part of SESLHD’s response to scaling up access to Hepatitis C testing and access to cures. 

NSW Health has commenced the DBS validation sub study with the goal of having the DBS test for Hepatitis C approved by the TGA for routine use. 1,300 DBS tests with paired blood samples are needed for the study. The testing blitzes held in December 2023 at Langton Centre and St George Opioid Treatment Program were the first in NSW as part of this study. 

“The testing blitzes in December at Langton and St George were a great success thanks to the enthusiasm of the staff and the willingness of clients. A fantastic way to start this valuable research,” said Phill Read, Director SESLHD Sexual Health Services. 

Further details about the trial can be found at: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/dbstest/Pages/default.aspx