Hepatitis C Antenatal anonymous seroprevalence study (PregPrevC)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Retrospective anonymous testing of virology samples from women who were pregnant: Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus infection in ante-natal clinic attendees (PregPrevC)
IRAS ID
181154
Contact name
Chloe Orkin
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Barts Health NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 18 days
Research summary
With local HCV prevalence amongst the highest in the UK (2.6% in the emergency department of this hospital),more seroprevalence work is needed so see if routine HCV should be offered in the ante-natal clinic Currently it is not performed (according to national guidance) unless specifically requested. Early diagnosis not only enables engagement of the individual with healthcare services, there are also significant public health benefits in terms of reduced transmissions of hepatitis C (HCV). Recognizing that different definitions are used for defining HCV infection, the chance of a mother passing HCV to her child in pregnancy is estimated at up to 5%. (7)(8)
Based on the high prevalence found in our Emergency department we wish to determine whether local policy should be adjusted to include HCV testing for pregnant women. However, more evidence is needed to determine the prevalence within this population as distinct from the previously tested ED population. We propose to randomly select 1000 virology samples from women who received ante-natal care within Barts Health over the past two years. These samples, taken during pregnancy and used to test for HBV, HIV and other viruses are stored by the laboratory for two years before being discarded. We will test 1000 samples for HCV Antibodies and with PCR for HCV viraemia ( to determine infectivity). Prior to analysis, samples will be retrieved and given a new laboratory identification number. All existing patient identifiers will be removed in order that samples cannot be linked back to the patient. Prior to allocation of the new number , data on age, gender, ethnicity, HIV and HBV status will be captured and attributed to this identification number.
This study will allow us to estimate the HCV seroprevalence and HCV viraemia in antenatal derived samples within Barts Health from the boroughs of Tower Hamlets and Newham).REC name
West of Scotland REC 4
REC reference
15/WS/0125
Date of REC Opinion
9 Jun 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion