The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a bloodborne pathogen, and the majority of infections result through contact with blood from unsafe injection techniques, hazardous medical procedures, unscreened blood transfusions, injectable drug usage, and sexual behaviours that expose one to blood.
Around 1.5 million new HCV cases are reported each year globally, with an estimated 58 million people worldwide carrying the infection. According to estimates, 3.2 million children and adolescents worldwide have chronic hepatitis C infection.
According to the WHO, 2,90,000 people died from hepatitis C in 2019 in the world, primarily due to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (primary liver cancer).
By 2030, WHO hopes to eliminate hepatitis C as a danger to public health by reducing new infections by 90% and fatalities by 65%. Nevertheless, despite advancements, only 21% of people with chronic HCV infection are aware of their condition.
According to an evaluation, almost 70% of those with HCV infection will experience chronic HCV infection, which, if ignored, can result in liver cirrhosis and malignancy.
For prompt therapy of the infection and to lower the risk of HCV transmission through body fluids, early and accurate HCV identification is crucial.
Dr Dangs Lab has announced the introduction of the cutting-edge HCV DUO test, marking a significant advancement in the fight against Hepatitis C in India. This innovative diagnostic method, according to a statement released by the lab, can identify hepatitis C infections up to three weeks sooner than conventional HCV antibody testing.
The HCV DUO test was developed by Dr Arjun Dang, CEO and a partner at Dr Dangs Lab and a specialist in GI and Liver Pathology.
“Our goal has always been to introduce cutting-edge diagnostic tools to empower physicians and add value to our patients’ care continuum. The introduction of the HCV DUO test in India is a step in that direction, enabling timely detecting and preventing transmission of Hepatitis C,” said Dr Arjun Dang in a press release.
More people will be able to benefit from earlier diagnoses after the availability of the HCV DUO test across Delhi-NCR. This ground-breaking test will also empower patients and doctors in the fight against hepatitis C by enabling prompt management and treatment decisions.
Additionally, this diagnostic instrument combines the simultaneous detection of hepatitis C antibodies (Ab) and antigen (Ag) from a patient’s blood sample, according to the press release.
In contrast to existing combination assays that only display a combined result, the HCV Duo immunoassay is the first test to provide parallel but distinct read-outs of HCV-Ag and HCV-Ab findings.
The statement went on to say that the assay has potential as a first-line diagnostic and screening test for HCV infection in clinical laboratories and as a screening tool for blood products in blood donation centres. Additionally, a final HCV Duo result is calculated equal to the highest cut-off index value of the sub-results (HCV-Ag & HCV-Ab), it added.
In particular for at-risk individuals, an early detection of the illness is essential for effectively preventing virus transmission and enabling quick and efficient treatment. However, due to the lack of distinct clinical signs, acute HCV infections are difficult to detect.
Additionally, the diagnostic window period, during which antibodies are not yet detectable, is sometimes longer for conventional screening techniques that simply rely on testing for antiviral antibodies. Early diagnosis and action are hampered by this constraint.
According to the press release, the HCV DUO test can identify hepatitis C infections up to 22 days sooner than conventional antibody testing.
