"In 2012, IDRS participants were asked questions about BBVI [Blood-Borne Viral Infection] testing and vaccinations. Of those who commented, 93% reported testing for HBV in their lifetime compared to 96% for HCV and 94% for HIV.
"Of those who were tested for HBV, two-thirds (62%) had a test within the past year and one-third (30%) within the last three months. Six percent reported a positive result and 4% had been treated for HBV (anti-viral therapy only). Two-thirds (61%) had been vaccinated again HBV, with 87% having completed the course. The main reason for HBV vaccination was due to a history of injecting drug use (38%) (Table 81).
"Among those tested for HCV, two-thirds (65%) had a test within the past year and one-third (31%) within the last three months. Nearly half reported a positive result. Ten percent of those who commented had been treated for HCV (anti-viral therapy only), with 22% receiving HCV treatment (currently or in the last 12 months). The main reason for HCV testing on the last occasion was a ‘matter of routine’ (38%) and ‘it was a responsible thing to do’ (14%; Table 82)."
Stafford, J. and Burns, L. (2013). Australian Drug Trends 2012. Findings from the Illicit Drug Reporting System (IDRS). Australian Drug Trend Series No. 91. Sydney, National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales. pp. 110-111.
http://www.ndarc.med.unsw.edu…
