Pooling samples for hepatitis C RNA detection.

Abstract

Despite the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on elimination of hepatitis C virus (HCV), the use of mass testing for SARS-CoV-2 might represent a glimmer of opportunity to increase HCV diagnostic capacities. Processing SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic tests has created an enormous workload for laboratories worldwide and has resulted in decreased processing of many other tests, such as those for HCV infection. Diagnosis of an active HCV infection is the necessary first step set by WHO as a key target to reach elimination. We propose a diagnostic strategy to overcome this challenge and to contribute to increasing the diagnostic capacity of clinical laboratories.