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April 17, 2026JAMA Network Open0 citationsOpen Access

Point-of-Care Hepatitis C Testing in a Tribal Setting

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JMJorge MeraABAndrea BlairCherokee NationKLKendra LewisRutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Key Points

  • The central aim is to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of point-of-care HCV RNA testing in a tribal setting.
  • Conducted quality improvement study at a tribal clinic and harm reduction site.
  • Implemented staff training to enhance testing capabilities.
  • Addressed logistical barriers to testing access.
  • Expanded outreach to a broader population of American Indian and Alaska Native individuals.
  • Point-of-care HCV RNA testing was found to be feasible and effective.
  • High acceptance rates were observed among participants.
  • Same-day treatment was successfully provided, supporting immediate care.

Abstract

In this quality improvement study conducted in a tribal clinic and harm reduction site, point-of-care HCV RNA testing was feasible and effective, with high acceptance and same-day treatment among American Indian and Alaska Native participants. Staff training, addressing logistical barriers, and broadening the population reached supported equitable access to testing. This study supports expanding point-of-care HCV RNA testing and integrated treatment to advance HCV elimination.

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Cite This Study

Mera et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69e1cfe05cdc762e9d858e56https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2026.7242
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