An innovative and potentially life-saving hepatitis C screening program has launched at London Drugs in Red Deer, helping to make testing more accessible after new guidelines recommend that those born between 1945 and 1975 get tested. An estimated 24,000 Albertans live with chronic hepatitis C and many are unaware they harbor the blood-borne virus because it can take decades before symptoms become evident.

As part of the launch, London Drugs will be hosting a complimentary screening clinic on April 25th. To participate, patients must book an appointment online here: https://pharmacy.londondrugs.com/Booking

Red Deer and area residents who attend the free clinic at London Drugs can undertake a simple finger prick test to check if they have been exposed to the hepatitis C virus (HCV). The test, called the OraQuick HCV rapid antibody test, is more than 99 per cent accurate at detecting HCV antibodies and provides results in 20 minutes.

In the case of a positive result, pharmacists send patients for further confirmatory lab testing. The patient will then be connected to a physician – either their family doctor, nurse practitioner or a hepatologist – for diagnosis. Once diagnosed, pharmacists provide education about the curative therapies available. The treatment is relatively simple; it involves taking antiviral medications daily for eight to 12 weeks.

To attend the complimentary screening clinic, simply book an appointment online: https://pharmacy.londondrugs.com/Booking