cambridge-news.co.uk 12th August 2008
PEOPLE in Cambridgeshire are at risk from a potentially deadly virus - because many family doctors do not know how to interpret a test for the disease.
The shocking claim comes from a national charity, which has carried out a nationwide survey to find out how GPs deal with tests for hepatitis C, the liver infection that can kill.
Most doctors are able to test their patients for the blood-borne infection, which can be passed by transfusions, piercing, tattoos, dental work, and sharing toothbrushes or razors.
But according to the survey, carried out for the Hepatitis C Trust, four out of 10 Cambridgeshire GPs are unable to read the test results correctly. The survey also found that half the GPs questioned in Cambridgeshire "were not confident in their ability to diagnose and manage hepatitis C infection."
A spokeswoman for the trust said:
"Approximately 500,000 people in the UK are thought to be living with Hepatitis C. Of these, 90 per cent don't know they are infected.
"Hepatitis C is a major cause of chronic liver disease, including cirrhosis and liver cancer. Patients can live for many years without experiencing symptoms, and as a consequence, a large number remain undiagnosed."
Symptoms of the disease include digestive problems, joint pains and depression.
Charles Gore, the trust's chief executive, said: "More must be done to equip GPs so they can correctly identify those who should be offered a hepatitis C test, and then interpret any result correctly."
Dr Kate King, a specialist for the Health Protection Agency covering Cambridgeshire, said: "The analysis is carried out by an expert in a laboratory, and the results will then be passed back to the doctor who can tell the patient.
"If there is a clear-cut result whether a patient is infected or not that will be passed on. If it is an equivocal result, they might recommend a further test.
"GPs may lack experience in these tests, but they are certainly not left alone when it comes to interpreting them."
If people are worried about the disease they can ring the trust helpline 0845 223 4424
