Woking mosque worshippers help hepatitis research
Up to 1,000 people are to be tested for hepatitis at a Surrey mosque as part of a research project into the disease.
Tests, which will be carried out at the Shah Jahan Mosque in Woking after Friday prayers over the next few months, began on 22 April.
Frimley Park Hospital liver consultant Dr Aftab Ala is conducting the research into the prevalence of hepatitis in the Pakistani community.
He said anyone at the mosque would be welcome to take a hepatitis test.
They did not have to be of Pakistani origin, as all data would be used as part of the study into hepatitis in first and second generations originating from Pakistan.
The confidential test involves a finger-prick blood test to detect hepatitis B and C.
Anyone who tests positive will be offered a referral to Frimley Park.
"Firstly, the tests will offer some reassurance to individuals who may want to know whether they are infected," said Dr Ala.
"Secondly, we will be using the data for the research project.
"We're very grateful to the Shah Jahan Mosque for allowing us to centre this important work at the heart of their community."