The development of new molecular techniques designed to detect circulating virions in serum and plasma has created an opportunity to study viral dynamics and pathogenesis in substantial detail. There are now a variety of assays available to detect and count how many copies of viral nucleic acids there are in your patients’ sera or plasma. How these assays compare has been the impetus of many studies involving research and clinical trials. It is therefore important for clinicians to understand the type of assay methodology used and its limitations. It is also crucial that a consistent methodology be used for all assays in order to fully utilise the value of such tests in patient management.

We have available in our laboratory two different types of viral load assays, i.e. the Chiron branched DNA (bDNA) technique using signal amplification technology and the Roche Monitor target amplification assay. Both techniques are extremely sensitive and have been extensively used in many studies for detecting and measuring viral nucleic acids in clinical specimens to assist clinicians on deciding the choice of therapy, to indicate whether a virologic response has occurred and whether a patient has responded or is likely to respond to therapy. Such techniques may also improve our understanding of the relationship between viral load and the natural history of the disease and hence contribute to further treatment strategies. In addition to this, we also offer services for HCV genotyping by INNO-LIPA HCV II Innogenetics as the response to therapy in HCV infected patients appears to be related to certain genetic variations of HCV.

Our laboratory has been accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities, Australia, which include the requirements for ISO/IEC 17025. We look forward to working with you towards enhancing research and better patient management in the field of hepatobiliary medicine.

Y.Bhg. Dato' Dr. Nor Shahidah Khairullah, DPMP, JMN