Health Canada has approved two rapid HCV antibody tests

CAPAHC welcomes Health Canada’s recent approval of the Cepheid's Xpert test, for point-of-care screening of hepatitis C viral load, if the antibody test result is positive. Results in one hour using a drop of blood obtained from a finger prick. This represents a major step forward in streamlining the care process and enabling faster diagnosis and treatment of patients.  Hepatitis C can be cured if it is detected and treated!

Now we need to the provinces, as far as we are concerned Quebec agrees to fund the installation of GeneXpert systems and the necessary training. During the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous devices were deployed throughout the province, We will now need to do everything possible to incorporate them into HCV screening.

Shortly thereafter, Health Canada also approved a second rapid antibody test—the INSTI test from bioLytical, with a results in one minute.

Science is advancing, and it is the duty of public authorities to keep pace.

Laurence Mersilian for CAPAHC. September 8, 2025