Australia's breakthrough: Hepatitis B testing will now be easier, with accuracy comparable to lab testing.

News Topical, Digital Desk : A world-first trial in Australia has shown that a simple fingerstick test for hepatitis B DNA is as accurate as standard lab testing, opening the way for its access to more people in remote and resource-limited areas. The study was published in the Journal of Clinical Microbiology. The point-of-care test can deliver results within an hour and can be performed in decentralized clinics, Xinhua news agency reported.

Will reduce delay in testing 

According to a statement from the Kirby Institute at the University of New South Wales in Australia, the fingerstick test could help overcome delays caused by laboratory-based testing. Professor Gail Matthews, who led the research at the Kirby Institute, said the results showed that fingerstick point-of-care testing is highly accurate, approaching the accuracy of traditional tests. Matthews said the discovery has the potential to increase access to testing and treatment globally, especially in clinics where access to testing is limited.

More than 1 million deaths every year 

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver. Globally, approximately 254 million people worldwide suffer from it, and more than 1 million deaths occur each year. Although it is preventable with a vaccine, only 8% of people with chronic hepatitis B receive treatment, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Currently, hepatitis B DNA testing, for both diagnosis and monitoring, requires collecting a venous blood sample for processing at a central laboratory. This means traveling long distances for testing and often waiting days or weeks for results. These delays can hinder treatment and care.

Result within 60 minutes  

In comparison, the new point-of-care test uses a smaller device, can be performed by most health care workers, and provides results within 60 minutes. It is an effective alternative to lab tests for many infectious diseases, including hepatitis C. The new test could support global efforts to meet WHO's goal of eliminating hepatitis B as a health threat by 2030.

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