news Support groups become drop-in evenings New South Wales – To make sure that Hepatitis NSW’s support groups are sustainable and serve the maximum number of people effectively, we have made a few changes to the groups that used to be held on the third Tuesday evenings each month. These changes should make the groups more appealing, focused, useful and relevant. Groups will now be run four times a year rather than every month (see page 61 for dates and topics). They will run from 6pm (sharp) to 7:30pm and all groups will feature a guest speaker. The guest speaker will present from 6-7pm. The last half hour will be a time for people to chat, have a cup of tea or coffee and ask questions. We’re now calling the groups Drop In Evenings. Like before, the groups are for anyone affected by hep C, and will run at our offices in Surry Hills, with refreshments provided. We welcome your feedback on the Drop In Evenings, so please contact us on the Helpline if you have any questions or comments. • Hepatitis Helpline
18 www.hep.org.au
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Q&A:
Why are the new genetic tests for hep C coming out now? The tests are a result of the new Genome Wide Association Studies that researchers are using to better understand diseases that affect humans. In genetic terms, each of us is made up of 23 pairs of chromosomes, involving billions of genetic “particles” with many millions of variations between individuals. Genome Wide Association Studies allow researchers – using powerful computers – to sample 500,000 or more genetic variations from each person in a study. The studies typically involve thousands of people and things get interesting if particular genetic variations are found mainly in one sub-group of people. With IL28B, researchers gathered large study groups of people who had undergone hep C treatment. The computer mapping showed that most of the people with IL28B genetic variation were the ones who cleared their hep C and had HCV genotype 1. For more information, please phone the Hepatitis Helpline 1800 803 990 (NSW) 9332 1599 (Sydney)