Public Research University evaluates the Use of the GenXpert to Detect Hepatitis C RNA
Photo by Hush Naidoo
Hasselt University is recruiting patients for the clinical trial of Evaluation of the Use of the GenXpert to Detect Hepatitis C RNA.
The results of the GX device are equivalent to standard venous blood sampling. With this study researchers are going to determine the prevalence in drug users with difficult venous access. On the other hand, they want to look at the place this device can have in primary care.
Volunteers must meet the following criteria:
- Have recently or ever used drugs
- Older than 18 years
The study will take place at the Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.
Hasselt University (Universiteit Hasselt) is a public research university with campuses in Hasselt and Diepenbeek, Belgium. It was officially established in 1971, as the Limburgs Universitair Centrum (LUC). In 2005, the university changed its name to Hasselt University.
Hasselt University is an innovative university which has a pronounced international orientation. It stands for excellence in education, top research in spearhead fields and active commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship. This is reflected by its ranking amongst the best 10% universities worldwide in U-Multirank 2019. The overall objective is to combine academic excellence with economic and social relevance. Hasselt University has an extensive international network and is a partner in a variety of international research and education projects.
Hepatitis C is an infectious disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) that primarily affects the liver; it is a type of viral hepatitis.
During the initial infection people often have mild or no symptoms. Occasionally a fever, dark urine, abdominal pain, and yellow tinged skin occurs. The virus persists in the liver in about 75% to 85% of those initially infected. Early on chronic infection typically has no symptoms. Over many years however, it often leads to liver disease and occasionally cirrhosis. In some cases, those with cirrhosis will develop serious complications such as liver failure, liver cancer, or dilated blood vessels in the esophagus and stomach. HCV is spread primarily by blood-to-blood contact associated with injection drug use, poorly sterilized medical equipment, needlestick injuries in healthcare, and transfusions.
The page dedicated to this clinical trial can be found here: https://ichgcp.net/clinical-trials-registry/NCT04717856
