Application Detail

Description of Medical Service

Targeted genotyping, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes in individuals with epilepsy who are scheduled to commence treatment with carbamazepine. The purpose of the test will be to determine whether the individual has specific variants of the gene that are associated with a higher risk of sensitivity, and therefore adverse reactions, to the drug.

Description of Medical Condition

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition characterised by recurrent seizures that are caused by a disruption of the electrical activity in the brain. Carbamazepine is an anticonvulsant medication that can be used in the first-line treatment of epilepsy. Although associated with milder side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, ataxia, nausea, and vomiting, carbamazepine can also cause more severe adverse reactions, including some that are potentially lethal. Hypersensitivity to carbamazepine is associated with variants in the human leukocyte antigen genes (HLA-A and HLA-B).

Reason for Application

New MBS item

Medical Service Type

Investigative technology

Previous Application Number/s

Not Applicable

Associated Documentation

Application Summary and PICO Set

Application Summary (PDF 395 KB)
Application Summary (Word 25 KB)

PICO Set Document (PDF 1497 KB)
PICO Set Document (Word 386 KB)

Consultation Survey

Consultation Survey (PDF 655 KB)
Consultation Survey (Word 33 KB)

PASC Consultation
PASC consultation closes 15 March 2024

MSAC Consultation
MSAC consultation TBA – please subscribe to the MSAC Email Bulletin to be notified when consultation opens for this application

For further information please refer to PASC, ESC, MSAC Key Dates
For further information on the consultation process please refer to MSAC Consultation Process

PICO Confirmation

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Assessment Report

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Public Summary Document

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Meetings for this Application

PASC

18–19 April 2024

ESC

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MSAC

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