• ABSTRACT
    • Approximately 4.1 million Americans have been infected with HCV and 45-85% of chronically infected persons are unaware of their status. Rapid anti-HCV assays can assist and expedite the identification of those unaware of their infection. Performance characteristics of pre-market rapid anti-HCV assays (Chembio, MedMira and OraSure) have been evaluated. Their sensitivity (78.9-99.3%) and specificity (80-100%) varied. Future investigations could include evaluation of rapid anti-HCV tests in persons who are coinfected with HCV and HIV, and development of rapid HCV-antigen tests and nucleic acid tests.