Potentially life-saving hepatitis C screening now available at the pharmacy

Every Canadian born between 1945 and 1975 should get tested

An innovative and potentially life-saving hepatitis C screening is now available at five London Drugs locations in the Lower Mainland.

Patients can now undertake a simple finger prick test at the pharmacy to check if they have been exposed to hepatitis C virus (HCV) at some point in the past. The test, called the OraQuick HCV rapid antibody test, is more than 99% accurate at detecting HCV antibodies and provides results in 20 minutes.

In cases of a positive result, pharmacists refer patients to their family doctor for a diagnostic lab test. Pharmacists provide initial counselling regarding the potential diagnosis and education about the ability to cure HCV.

The program launches on the heels of new testing guidelines published by the Canadian Association for the Study of the Liver recommending that all Canadians born between 1945 and 1975 get tested for the potentially liver-destroying virus.

There are approximately 80,000 British Columbians believed to be infected with hepatitis C and the province has one of the highest rates of new cases per year in Canada. Many are unaware they harbour the blood-borne virus because it can take decades before symptoms become evident. Early diagnosis can help patients avoid potentially serious liver disease, including liver failure, cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Watch: Got 20 minutes? Get tested for Hepatitis C

Got 20 minutes? Get tested for Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C screening is available at the following London Drugs locations. Patients can call the pharmacy to book an appointment. The cost of the test is $24.