Back to: Linking to Care, Point of Care Testing (POCT). Aotearoa Edition
As of November 2023 six (6) Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Point of Care Test (POCT) Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) kits have been prequalified as in vitro diagnostic products by WHO for WHO procurement. This is a stringent process ensuring products meet both manufacturers claims and clinical requirements. The kits are
- HCV RDT Premiere Medical Corporation 2023,
- HCV RDT ABON Biopharm 2023, (All links lead to Abbott)
- HCV RDT SD Biosensor Inc 2020,
- HCV RDT InTec 2019,
- HCV RDT Orasure Technologies 2017,
- HCV RDT Abbott Diagnostics 2016,
For the purpose of this lesson, we will look at the Abbott Bioline HCV test kit. Health Network Collective recommend that with any kit you may use, you read the instructions that come with the kit. To further support your learning the Health Network Collective mobile application has a step-by-step process for testing to help ensure we get as accurate information and results possible, and as accurate results as we can. In fairness, if the test is not conducted correctly, or the test kit is faulty, the test result will indicate this. All POCT RDT tests have a built-in control test to validate the test kit and test itself.
We will explore the Health Network Collective Mobile Application, and the step-by-step testing functionality in a following lesson.
Equipment: the below is the equipment required in an ideal setting. Items are indicated as to supplied with the test kits or extra requirements.
This is a standard supply option for the Abbott SD Bioline Hepatitis C Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) Point of Care Test (POCT) available in lots of 25 or 30 test kits. Supplied with Test Kits
Test device, as they are taken from the box in their sealed wrapper to the right and opened ready for testing on the left. Supplied with Test Kits
The Bioline HCV test device is an immunochromatographic rapid test for the qualitative detection of antibodies specific to HCV in human serum, plasma (click the link for a great description of what serum and plasma are and do) or whole blood. Health Network Collective procedure uses whole blood samples.
In simpler terms, if the Hepatitis C Virus has been in your body, your body has made antibodies to defeat the virus. These antibodies remain even after the virus has gone. These antibodies are what the Bioline HCV test detects (qualitative or yes/no). That’s why we need another test specifically for the virus and quantity of virus (quantitative or how much) prior to treatment. This article explains qualitative and quantitative very nicely. Antibodies do not cause HCV and are not transmissible or a contaminant.
Assay Diluent, normally supplied as one dropper type bottle per box of test kits. This cannot be substituted by any other substance and is recommended the solution provided in the test kit box is used exclusively for the test device(s) supplied in that box. Supplied with Test Kits
Capillary Pipette, used for drawing the blood sample. Supplied with Test Kits
Alcohol swabs, used to assist in preparing the skin for the procedure. Supplied with Test Kits
Lancet. Used for the finger prick. The type to the left is a safety lancet, to the right a manual push in type. Supplied with Test Kits. These are SHARP’S, requiring sharps disposal.
Gauze, occasionally you may need to use cotton wool balls. These are not supplied with test kits.
Gloves, think 5 moments of hand hygiene, hand washing, contamination… These are not supplied with test kits.
Sharp’s safe disposal container. In the event this is not available use a plastic container, preferably with a lid, and follow the same disposal procedure. These are not supplied with test kits
Timer. an off the shelf digital timer, and the timer screen on the Health Network Collective mobile app. These are not supplied with test kits.
In addition, think back to our lessons on basic hygiene. Have a consideration for risk reduction in terms of contamination, 5 moments of hand hygiene, hand washing and waste disposal. Also risk reduction with community prevalent conditions by wearing of masks. These are items that you may wish to have a supply of in addition to the above test equipment and items. We will also discuss our testing environment and preparedness in a following lesson.
Equipment Orders: are an automated part of completion and passing this Health Network Collective POCT course, with further orders via the Health Network Collective mobile application Equipment screen. This screen enables standard kit orders and possibly supplemental equipment, dependent on local establishment.
