Viral Load Testing
Is used to determine the level of virus present in the blood (viral load) Two techniques, PCR and branched chain (bDNA) are commonly used to detect the level of the hepatitis C virus in the blood, that is, the viral load. The viral load in an individual usually shows little variation, however, between individuals there can be considerable variation ranging from thousands of copies to millions. There does
not appear to be any correlation between the amount of virus and degree of liver disease. Viral load has been shown to be a predictor of response to therapy; with the lower the viral count the higher the probability that pharmaceutical treatment will be successful. Current Medicare funding provides for two
viral load tests in a one year period. Generally, one viral load test is done prior to treatment and one during treatment, usually at 12 weeks after treatment has commenced.
Source - Impact booklet, produced by Hepatitis C Victoria, June 2008