The Hepatitis Foundation was set up with a specialist team to promote knowledge of viral hepatitis, especially hepatitis B, and to provide a follow-up programme for carriers.

Carriers of hepatitis B or C, as part of this programme, are offered regular blood tests.  These tests determine if you are still carrying the virus and also check that your liver is functioning normally.

If your results show mild inflammation of the liver (i.e. slightly above the 'normal' range) or are normal, you will be tested six monthly.

For those who show a higher abnormality in liver function, tests are repeated three monthly or more frequently.  If these tests do not return to normal, referral to a specialist is made, where a more detailed investigation is undertaken.   This may include a physical examination, ultrasound and in some cases liver biopsy.   The specialist, at this stage, will also evaluate for treatment.

HOW THE PROGRAMME WORKS

For the majority of clients six-monthly blood testing is all that is required.  A blood test form is posted to you when your blood test is due.  These forms can be taken directly to any medical laboratory where a blood sample will be taken. There is no cost to you.  Occasionally, one of our nurses will organise a visit to your home to collect a blood sample and answer any questions (currently only available in the North Island). 

The results of the blood test are usually processed within ten days, and in most cases a letter explaining the results is sent immediately to you.  Our liver specialist, Dr Chris Moyes, will usually check results that are abnormal (above the normal range) before the result letter is sent. 

We will keep your doctor informed of your progress if given consent.  Please sign the attached consent form at the back of this pamphlet and send this to us at:
Freepost No 191379, The Hepatitis Foundation, PO Box 647, Whakatane, with your doctor's name.

All personal details are kept strictly confidential.  Combined results of all clients are analysed; this, we hope, will help determine the risk of liver disease in individuals so that more intensive follow-up can be undertaken for those at higher risk. 

Regular blood testing under the follow-up programme enables early detection of liver problems including active chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and liver cancer.  In this way timely and effective referral for treatment is possible.

Research into treatment for hepatitis B and C is going on all over the world, and those clients who we can keep in contact with will be some of the first to benefit from this.

For information about hepatitis B or C please refer to the relevant pamphlet.

If you have any other questions you can write, or phone us on (07) 3071259 or 0800 33 20 10, or email us at hepteam@hepfoundation.org.nz