The feasibility and acceptability of collecting oral fluid from healthy children for anti-HCV testing

Arch Dis Child. 2004 Feb;89(2):185-7. doi: 10.1136/adc.2003.031310.

Abstract

This pilot study investigated the feasibility of surveying, anonymously, HCV infection among healthy children using an oral fluid specimen. Seventy seven per cent of children provided their assent, or where appropriate, consent to participate; 2.8% were anti-HCV positive. Oral fluid collection is acceptable to children and more extensive studies are indicated.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Antibodies, Viral / analysis
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Ethics, Clinical
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Hepacivirus / immunology
  • Hepatitis C / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Informed Consent*
  • Male
  • Patient Compliance*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Saliva / virology*
  • Specimen Handling / ethics
  • Specimen Handling / methods

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral