New Testing Speeds Up Results For Identifying Hepatitis B

The Hepatitis Foundation has introduced a new point of care (POC) finger prick test. The test is the first of its type to be introduced into New Zealand for Hepatitis B testing. The finger prick is easy to use and is a less invasive procedure, compared to a blood test, which gives results in only 15 minutes. Helping to identify more patients with chronic Hepatitis B, it is highly accurate having 98% sensitivity and 99.95% specificity. The Hepatitis B POC test compliments the Hepatitis C POC test that is widely available in NZ.

The introduction of the test comes as HFNZ prepares to mark World Hepatitis Day on July 28. The global annual event educates people about Hepatitis and the importance of getting tested if you think you may be at risk. Anyone over the age of 30 years of age who is not vaccinated against Hepatitis B should have a POC as an initial test. High-risk groups include people of Maori, Pacific Island or east Asian ethnicity, anyone with a mother or close family member who has the virus or who shares a household with someone who has it.

World Hepatitis Day is an annual global event that gives people a chance to learn about viral Hepatitis and highlights the importance of getting tested.

“Hepatitis B and C are the main causes of liver cancer in NZ,” Susan says. “About 100,000 New Zealanders live with chronic Hepatitis B, and 50,000 with chronic Hepatitis C, most are unaware they have it because there are often no symptoms. People can therefore have severe liver damage before they start to feel ill and are diagnosed. After being diagnosed, six-monthly blood tests pick up early signs of liver problems. Getting tested is vital for at-risk groups.”

“We are partnering with many community health care organisations and Kaupapa Màori partners who are supportive of testing their patients,” says HFNZ CEO Susan Hay. “It’s important for everyone in the health care industry to work together to help people with Hepatitis B achieve positive outcomes.”

The Hepatitis Foundation is a charitable trust that runs a monitoring programme offering regular blood tests, education and support for people living with Hepatitis. There is no cure for Hepatitis B but there is very effective treatment to suppress the virus that can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Phone 0800 33 20 10 or visit Hepatitisfoundation.org.nz.

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