Applications

1769 – Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) testing for hypersensitivity to carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine

Find out about the service or technology in this application and the medical condition it addresses. You can also view the application documents, the deadlines for providing consultation input and the outcome of the application when the MSAC process is complete.

  • Status Assessment
  • Type New application
  • Pre-PASC consultation Closed
  • Pre-MSAC consultation Open
  • Outcome Pending

Application details

Applicant

The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia

Reason for application

New MBS item.

Service or technology in this application

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.

Type: Investigative technology

Medical condition this application addresses

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).

Consultation survey and deadlines

The following consultation deadlines apply:

  • Pre-PASC consultation deadline: Closed
  • Pre-MSAC consultation deadline: Friday 14 February 2025 11:59 pm AEDT

For other ways to provide input, see how to have your say.

We welcome input from everyone. We are especially keen to hear from those with lived experience of the health condition, service or technology the applications are addressing.

Find out more about consultation.

Meetings to consider this application

  • PASC meeting: 18–19 April 2024
  • ESC meeting: 13–14 February 2025
  • MSAC meeting: 3–4 April 2025