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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