Abstracts
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#2026335
"RDT Screening for BBVs Among Refugees and Applicants Seeking Protection in HSE Dublin and North East – Initial Real-World Experience"
Principal Presenter: Ellen Newman
Track: Epidemiology & Population Health
Background:
In 2023, the National Refugees and Applicants Seeking Protection (RASP) Blood-Borne Virus (BBV)/ Tuberculosis (TB) Screening Implementation Advisory Group was established to appraise the BBV testing options available, and to define end-to-end protocols for each option. It was recommended that lateral flow Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) should be offered to all of the target group over 16 years. Following a pilot, the Group ultimately recommended using finger-prick capillary RDTs for hepatitis B, and buccal swab RDTs for hepatitis C and HIV testing. The Migrant Health Team of the HSE Social Inclusion Service in Dublin and North East is the first, and thusfar the only one, to implement the RDT BBV screening as part of its Migrant Wrap-Around Healthcare initiative. Here we present the findings from the first 6 months of this service.
Methods:
Weekly RDT BBV testing clinics commenced in September 2025. Finger-prick capillary RDTs for hepatitis B surface antibody testing, and buccal swab RDTs for hepatitis C antibody and HIV antibody testing were offered across 17 different RASP accommodation centres. Questionnaires on service user feedback as well as informal service provider feedback were gathered. Written information material (translated into 11 languages) was offered.
Results:
To date 24 RDT BBV testing clinics have been held across 17 accommodation centres with 278 individuals undergone a set of three RDTs (average 11 individuals per clinic). Of the 278 individuals screened, 10 have had a reactive result for hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV (3.6%). Of these, five individuals had reactive RDT for hepatitis B (three new diagnoses and/or not previously linked to care), three had reactive RDT for hepatitis C (one new diagnosis), and two had reactive RDT for HIV (one new diagnosis). No-coinfections were picked up. All those with new BBV diagnoses were linked with the Infectious Diseases Clinic at Beaumont Hospital for confirmatory testing and care. There were no false positive RDTs. Both service user and provider feedback on the testing and referral process has been has been uniformly positive.
Conclusion:
The HSE Dublin and North East RDT BBV screening programme has had 3.6% positivity rate in screening to date. All patients have been appropriately linked to care, supporting efficacy of its end-to-end protocol. Further regional and national roll-out is encouraged by these results. Lastly, this initiative has been recognised nationally by shortlisting it as a Finalist in the Community Care Service category for the Irish Healthcare Awards 2026.