Serum alanine aminotransferase levels and the detection of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in chronic HCV infections

To the Editor: Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection affects almost 200 000 Australians.1 It is monitored clinically by serial liver function tests (LFTs) and HCV RNA detection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). HCV RNA is a marker of chronic infection and levels reflect response to antiviral therapy. However, testing for the presence of HCV RNA is expensive and, under the current Medicare Benefits Schedule, is not available to people with HCV antibodies and abnormal LFTs unless they are undergoing antiviral therapy.