World-First Fingerstick Assay Accurately Measures Hepatitis B DNA in Under 60 Minutes
Australian researchers show point-of-care fingerstick test reliably detects hepatitis B DNA quickly, aiding treatment in underserved areas.
Researchers have validated a world-first fingerstick blood test that could significantly expand access to hepatitis B screening, particularly in remote and resource-limited settings. The point-of-care test detects hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA using a small finger-prick blood sample, delivering results in about an hour without the need for complex laboratory infrastructure.
The breakthrough was demonstrated in a clinical study led by scientists at the Kirby Institute at the University of New South Wales, with findings published in the Journal of Clinical Microbiology. According to the researchers, the fingerstick test showed accuracy comparable to conventional laboratory-based HBV DNA tests, which typically rely on venous blood draws and centralized processing that can delay results by days or even weeks.
HBV DNA testing plays a critical role in confirming active infection and guiding treatment decisions, but access remains limited in many parts of the world due to cost, logistics, and the need for specialised laboratories. By contrast, the new test can be performed at the point of care, allowing healthcare workers to diagnose patients and make clinical decisions during a single visit.
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Experts say the innovation could help address one of the biggest challenges in hepatitis B control: underdiagnosis. Despite the availability of an effective vaccine, hepatitis B continues to affect hundreds of millions of people globally, with many unaware they are infected until they develop serious liver disease such as cirrhosis or cancer.
The researchers noted that faster, decentralised testing could improve patient follow-up and linkage to treatment, particularly in communities where repeat clinic visits are difficult. Immediate results reduce the risk of patients being lost to follow-up, a common problem in hepatitis care.
Public health specialists believe the fingerstick test could support global efforts to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030, a target set by the World Health Organization. While further evaluation and wider rollout are still needed, the study marks a significant step toward more accessible, equitable hepatitis B diagnosis worldwide.
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