biostudies-literatureCarvalho-Gomes AInstituto de Salud Carlos IIIGilead Sciencese0228351https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC7012430biostudies-literatureUnknown15(2)<h4>Background</h4>Data on the true prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in the general population is essential. We evaluated a program implementing free universal HCV screening using a non-invasive point-of-care test (POCT) (OraQuick-HCV rapid test) in oral fluid in an urban area in Valencia, South-Eastern Spain.<h4>Methods</h4>A cross-sectional study was performed during 2015-2017. Free HCV screening was offered by regular mail to 11,500 individuals aged 18 and over, randomly selected from all census residents in the Health Department. All responding participants filled in a questionnaire about HCV infection risk factors and were tested in their tertiary Hospital. In those with a positive POCT, results were confirmed by enzyme-immunoassay and HCV-RNA.<h4>Results</h4>1,206 persPloS oneA population-based screening for hepatitis C antibodies and active infection using a point-of-care test in a low prevalence area.PMC7012430CM15/00133PI15/02010GLD1400269Hontangas VBerenguer MCarvalho-Gomes AConde IDi Maira TLopez-Labrador FXSanfelix-Gimeno GCubells APeiro SPallares CfalseA population-based screening for hepatitis C antibodies and active infection using a point-of-care test in a low prevalence area.<h4>Background</h4>Data on the true prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in the general population is essential. We evaluated a program implementing free universal HCV screening using a non-invasive point-of-care test (POCT) (OraQuick-HCV rapid test) in oral fluid in an urban area in Valencia, South-Eastern Spain.<h4>Methods</h4>A cross-sectional study was performed during 2015-2017. Free HCV screening was offered by regular mail to 11,500 individuals aged 18 and over, randomly selected from all census residents in the Health Department. All responding participants filled in a questionnaire about HCV infection risk factors and were tested in their tertiary Hospital. In those with a positive POCT, results were confirmed by enzyme-immunoassay and HCV-RNA.<h4>Results</h4>1,206 pers2020-01-01T00:00:00Z20202026-05-06T23:54:12.331Z2020-05-22T10:40:08ZS-EPMC70124303204541710.1371/journal.pone.0228351