Impact of hepatitis C virus point-of-care RNA viral load testing compared with laboratory-based testing on uptake of RNA testing and treatment, and turnaround times: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Point-of-care (POC) hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA nucleic acid test viral load assays are being used increasingly as an alternative to centralised, laboratory-based standard-of-care (SOC) viral load assays to reduce loss to follow-up. We aimed to evaluate the impact of using POC compared with SOC approaches on uptake of HCV RNA viral load testing and treatment, and turnaround times from testing to treatment along the HCV care cascade.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for studies published in English between Jan 1, 2016, and April 13, 2022. We additionally searched for accepted conference abstracts (2016-20) not identified in the main search. The contacts directory of the WHO Global Hepatitis Programme was also used to solicit additional studies

SUBMITTER: Trickey A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11810864 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature