Rapid HIV, Hep C, and Syphilis Screening in a Rural Street Medicine Clinic

West Virginia University

Status: Not yet enrolling

Conditions: Syphilis; HEPATITIS C (HCV); HIV Testing; Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)

Treatments: Diagnostic Test: Rapid Fingerstick Test; Diagnostic Test: Blood Draw for lab test

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07317687

2507193944

Details and patient eligibility

About

West Virginia faces rising rates of HIV, hepatitis, and syphilis, particularly among individuals experiencing homelessness, substance use, and mental health challenges. Traditional blood-draw testing for these infections is often hindered by mistrust, logistical barriers, and delays in results. This study, conducted by the West Virginia University (WVU) Street Medicine program, evaluates a rapid, point-of-care fingerstick test for HIV, Hepatitis C, and syphilis that provides results within 10-20 minutes during mobile clinic visits. Participants may choose rapid testing, traditional blood draw (which also includes Hepatitis B screening), or decline testing. All participants will be invited to complete a brief survey about the experiences with screening methods. The goal is to assess whether rapid testing improves screening uptake, linkage to care, and patient satisfaction, ultimately reducing barriers and disease burden in high-risk populations.

Enrollment: 200 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Patients of the WVU Medicine Street Medicine team

Exclusion criteria

• Patients under the age of 18

Trial design

200 participants in 3 patient groups

Participants receiving fingerstick test

Description:

* Will get a quick fingerstick test for HIV, Hepatitis C, and syphilis. * Will receive results in 10-20 minutes. * If positive, will be offered immediate care and/or a referral. * If positive, blood draw will be offered on site to confirm results or referred to a WVU Medicine clinic location for follow-up blood test. * Will be invited to answer survey questions about the feelings and experiences with screening (about 15-30 minutes).

Treatment:

Diagnostic Test: Rapid Fingerstick Test

Participants receiving blood-draw test

Description:

Participants receiving blood-draw test: * Will get a blood draw to test for HIV, Hepatitis B \& C, and syphilis * Will receive results in approximately 3 days (via MyChart message and phone call, or in person at site) * If positive, will be offered immediate care and/or a referral for follow-up care. • Will be invited to answer questions about the feelings and experiences with screening (about 15 minutes).

Treatment:

Diagnostic Test: Blood Draw for lab test

Participants who decline screening

Description:

Participants who decline screening: • Will be invited to answer survey questions about the feelings and experiences with screening (about 15-30 minutes).