Improving Testing and Diagnosis of Hepatitis C with Claudia Hawkins, MD, MPH

Improving Testing and Diagnosis of Hepatitis C with Claudia Hawkins, MD, MPH

Author: Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine April 6, 2026 Duration: 19:48

A new, rapid Hepatitis C test developed by Northwestern University scientists could change the future of Hepatitis C care by delivering faster diagnosis and treatments for a disease that is estimated to impact 50 million people around the world. The research behind this new test, which was built on the DASH (Diagnostic Analyzer for Specific Hybridization) Rapid PCR system developed at Northwestern University was published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases. In this episode, Claudia Hawkins, MD, MPH, explains this study and the impact this test could have on the global effort to eliminate Hepatitis C. 


Tune into Breakthroughs for a direct line to the labs and minds at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Each episode pulls back the curtain on the process of discovery, letting you hear directly from the researchers themselves as they explain the questions that keep them up at night and the moments of insight that change everything. This isn't just about announcing findings; it's about understanding the human effort behind them. You'll get a clear sense of how a single study can ripple out, influencing treatments and shifting our entire approach to wellness. The conversations in this podcast are grounded in the belief that transforming medicine starts with asking better questions. From detailed explorations of cellular mechanisms to broader discussions on public health, the content connects the dots between specialized science and its real-world impact. Listen for thoughtful dialogue that makes complex topics accessible, always pointing toward a future where health is improved for entire communities. Produced by Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, this series is for anyone curious about the tangible steps science is taking right now to create a healthier tomorrow.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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