Exploring testing injecting drug users for Hepatitis and HIV/AIDS

Testing provides an ideal opportunity during which injecting drug users (IDUs) can be assisted to prevent hepatitis C and other blood-borne viruses (BBVs), or to minimise the risk of reinfection and/or other complications associated with hepatitis C infection. This project aimed to extend knowledge about the process of testing injecting drug users for hepatitis C and other BBVs through a qualitative in-depth examination of clinical and practical difficulties with current pre- and post-test counselling guidelines. The study shed some light on how the value of the testing process could be maximised to achieve these objectives. The major outcome was the preparation of alternative guidelines for pre- and post-test discussion when testing injecting drug users for blood-borne viruses.