Point of Care Diagnostic Testing for Hepatitis B Virus

As we strive to reach the World Health Organization (WHO) goal of eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030, point of care tests (POCTs) will be important in low- to middle-income and developed countries. This review aims to investigate available POCT choices for hepatitis B virus (HBV) and to provide an algorithm for screening, assessing, and monitoring chronic HBV. There are 3 WHO pre-qualified rapid diagnostic assays for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) that are sensitive, specific, and reliable in screening for HBV: SD Bioline, Determine 2, and VIKIA. POCTs for other biomarkers are less reliable and sensitive but have some applicability. The Xpert® HBV Viral Load assay is sensitive and specific with a wide dynamic range. While POCT for HBeAg and HBV antibodies require improvement, HBsAg POCT and the Xpert® HBV Viral Load assay are reliable and available now.