The main purpose of this Manual is to provide useful guidelines for the selection of pathology tests and to facilitate interpretation of results.
Contains a comprehensive listing of all genes from the Human Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC) database alongside laboratories and tests available in the country.
A manual for the process of macroscopic dissection in Anatomical Pathology laboratories.
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Keywords: Hep C NAT, Hep C PCR, Hep C RNA, Hepatitis C virus RNA, HCV RNA, HCV
5-10 mL blood in EDTA or citrate.
Nucleic acid detection after amplification.
Diagnosis of acute hepatitis C infection prior to seroconversion in the setting of clinical disease, or follow-up of a high risk exposure incident;
screening of blood donors;
resolution of uncertain serological status (two different antibody assays with conflicting results, indeterminate immunoblot);
determination of prognosis and infectivity in patients positive for hepatitis C antibodies.
Quantitative HCV RNA (viral load) for pre-treatment evaluation and monitoring of patients receiving antiviral therapy.
Genotyping on patients with active infections should be performed to aid therapeutic decisions.
Detection of HCV RNA indicates ongoing infection and infectivity, although occasional false positives occur. A single negative result does not confirm clearance.
HCV RNA levels (viral load) do not correlate with the natural history of the disease. Their use is limited predicting likelihood of response to treatment and planning the duration of therapy. Patients with high HCV RNA levels respond less well and require a longer course of antivirals.
Rosenberg PM. Clin Infect Dis. 2001; 33: 1728-1732.
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The RCPA is the leading organisation representing Pathologists and Senior Scientists in Australasia.
Its mission is to train and support pathologists and senior scientists and to improve the use of pathology testing to achieve better healthcare.
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