Foundation collaborates with Walgreens to launch free HCV testing campaign

The Chronic Liver Disease Foundation announced today that in collaboration with Walgreens, it will be offering free hepatitis C virus infection testing via the OraQuick HCV Rapid Test at various Walgreens locations throughout the United States, according to a press release.

The campaign is expected to launch in August and offer free rapid HCV testing on specific days and times each week to patients at risk for HCV through January 2016, according to the release.

“The rapid hepatitis testing program demonstrates our commitment to helping patient access important information that can help to improve their health,” Glen Pietrandoni, RPh, AAHIVP, senior director of virology at Walgreens, said in the release. “We are proud to collaborate with the Chronic Liver Disease Foundation on this initiative. Through this testing program we can help people become educated on the risk factors, identify people infected with HCV and help them get linked to appropriate care.”

OraQuick HCV (OraSure Technologies) is a rapid blood test for antibodies to HCV for individuals aged 15 years and older. The test has more than a 98% accuracy in detecting HCV, according to the OraSure website, and enables healthcare providers to deliver an accurate diagnosis in 20 minutes using venipuncture or fingerstick blood.

The release also states that the rapid testing, as well as patient education, will be conducted by trained healthcare professionals on site at each retail location. If someone undergoes testing and is positive for HCV, they will be linked directly to one of the foundation’s Hepatology Centers of Expertise in the U.S.

The FDA approved the test in June 2010 and OraSure technologies was granted a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments waiver in 2011, which allowed the test to be distributed and used beyond traditional laboratory settings, including physicians’ offices, health department clinics and other counseling or testing facilities.

“Approval of OraQuick means that more patients can be notified of their HCV infection faster so that they can consult with their physicians for appropriate health measures,” Jeffrey Shuren, MD, JD, director of the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health, said in a previous press release on the FDA website. “Getting faster treatment is an important public health step to control this dangerous disease.” – by Melinda Stevens

Disclosure: Shuren reports being employed by the FDA. Pietrandoni reported being employed by Walgreens.