Hepatitis C Viral Load

We currently use the Roche Diagnostic’s Amplicor Monitor HCV assay to determine HCV viral loads.

Applications are in the pre-treatment evaluation or the assessment of efficacy of antiviral therapy in patients with chronic HCV hepatitis who have already been confirmed as HCV RNA PCR positive.

To be eligible for rebatable testing under Medicare the request needs to be made by or on the advice of the specialist of consultant physician who manages the patient with chronic HCV hepatitis and is restricted to a maximum of two tests being claimed in a 12 month period. To minimise any delay in testing and to comply with Medicare requirements it is important for requesting general practitioners to include in the clinical notes to whom/where the patient is being referred.