title: Hepatitis C polymerase chain reaction testing by GPs.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Approximately 75% of patients exposed to the hepatitis C virus will become chronically infected. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing more than 6 months after exposure is necessary to identify this group. This pilot study assessed the practical ap-plication of PCR testing in the general practice context.
  
  
  METHODS
  General practitioners of patients newly notified as positive for hepatitis C antibody between 1 August 2007 and 1 August 2012 were invited to participate. They completed a self-administered survey, recording details on the use of hepatitis C PCR testing in their patients.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The survey found that 16 patients (46%) did not undergo any PCR testing for hepatitis C. Of those who underwent PCR testing, 11 (58%) were positive on PCR testing but only six (55%) of those with a positive PCR test were retested 6 months later.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Appropriate use of PCR is necessary to identify patients with chronic hepatitis C and offer appropriate referral and treatment.
authors: BMBS, Public Health Resident, Geraldton Population Health Unit; Combined Universities Centre for Rural Health (UWA); Geraldton, WA.
authors: Samuel
authors: S
authors: Bailey
authors: Benjamin
authors: B
authors: Scalley
authors: Marisa
authors: M
authors: Gilles
mesh_terms: D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000175:diagnosis*; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D058007:Physicians, Primary Care; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies