FASTER HEPATITIS C DIAGNOSIS: JUTH PARTNERS WITH NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY ON RAPID TESTING TECHNOLOGY
A diagnostic innovation capable of delivering Hepatitis C test results in approximately 16 minutes could transform the diagnosis and monitoring of the infection, as the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) prepares to test the technology, with prospects for faster diagnosis, evidence-based treatment, and improved patient care.
This development was discussed during a meeting between the Chief Medical Director, Dr. Pokop Bupwada, and a visiting team from Northwestern University, Chicago. The meeting brought together Dr. Mary John Duguru, Professor Oche Agbaji, Professor Imade Goodwin, and members of the visiting team to discuss the proposed introduction and testing of the innovative diagnostic platform.
Dr. Mary John Duguru introduced the visiting delegation, which included Dr. Sally McFall, Co-Director of Northwestern University’s Center for Innovation in Global Health Technologies; Dr. Claudia Hawkins, Director of the Global Communicable and Emerging Infectious Diseases Centre at the Institute for Global Health; and Nicole Rios, Research Project Manager.
Presenting the technology, project leader Dr. McFall explained that the platform, known as HCV DASH, is designed to provide rapid and sensitive testing, with results available in approximately 16 minutes. Following successful laboratory testing at Northwestern University, the technology will first undergo testing in JUTH’s laboratory, with clinical testing planned for 2027, subject to satisfactory results.
Speaking further about the project’s potential, Dr. Claudia Hawkins shared her excitement about seeing how the technology performs with patients, emphasizing that it will be “revolutionary” for people with Hepatitis C by cutting down diagnosis times. She also noted that given the higher prevalence of Hepatitis C in Jos, this collaborative field testing will be a vital step to ensure the new tool is easy to use and truly effective for the community.
Professor Imade explained that selected samples would be tested using the new platform and compared with results from JUTH’s Roche cobas 5800 equipment to assess its performance. The evaluation will draw on the hospital’s existing laboratory facilities, with the HIV clinic identified as a potential site for subsequent clinical testing.
Speaking during the meeting, the CMD expressed optimism about the innovation, noting that patients often experience prolonged waiting periods for Hepatitis C viral load results following an initial antibody test. He explained that delays and the additional cost of testing can complicate timely diagnosis and treatment, expressing hope that the new technology would enable clinicians to obtain results more quickly and monitor patients’ responses to treatment more conveniently.
The meeting also highlighted JUTH’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its research infrastructure. The CMD disclosed plans to consolidate laboratory services at a central location within the hospital, subject to funding, to improve coordination, operational efficiency, and safety. He reaffirmed JUTH’s commitment to sustaining its partnership with Northwestern University, emphasizing that collaboration among researchers, clinicians, and technology developers remains essential to improving healthcare delivery.
Dr. Imade further commended JUTH Management, particularly the CMD, for its prompt and consistent support of research activities, noting that the encouragement had contributed to progress in strengthening the hospital’s laboratory and research capacity.
If successfully tested and implemented, HCV DASH could help reduce diagnostic delays, ease the burden of repeated hospital visits, and support more timely treatment decisions for patients with Hepatitis C. Similar evaluations are planned in Lagos and Ibadan, making JUTH one of several Nigerian sites contributing to the project.
GALLERY
