RT Journal Article SR Electronic(1) A1 Gehani, A. A. A1 Hammoudeh, M.YR 2011 T1 Abstracts from Other Journals 2 JF Qatar Medical Journal, VO 2011 IS 1 OP SP 26 DO https://doi.org/10.5339/qmj.2011.1.26 PB Hamad bin Khalifa University Press (HBKU Press), SN 2227-0426, AB Background: Early detection and treatment of Hepatitis C can change the natural history of disease. Aim: The primary aim of this study was to detect infection of hepatitis C using a rapid immunochromatographic assay in a community setting. The secondary aims included assessment of prevalence rate and disease characteristics; including liver function tests, viral load, grade and stage of disease on the liver biopsy. Methods: Two cohorts of 4000 and 321 2 people (.004% of the population) were surveyed over a three week period each between December 2008 through August 2009. Qualitative detection of hepatitis C antibodies was done using a colloidal gold enhanced rapid immunochromatographic assay (Health Chem Diagnostics LLC, FL-USA).Viral load was calculated using RT PCR (Taqman) and those found positive underwent liver biopsy.28 and 33patients with proven chronic hepatitis C formed the controls for validation of the kit used in the first and the second cohort., UL https://www.qscience.com/content/journals/10.5339/qmj.2011.1.26