Concurrent Session 4B: The Right Test for the Right Person in the Right Setting
Tracks
Track 2
| Thursday, August 13, 2026 |
| 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM |
Details
This symposium aims to summarise the available and emerging diagnostics tests for Hepatitis C in Australia, outlining the most recent testing polices, regulatory requirements and operational environments. The panel will than outline five diagnostics testing pathways and discuss how each test can be implemented effectively to meet the clients’ needs and implementing environment in various settings.
Speaker
Professor Jason Grebely
Professor
The Kirby Institute, Unsw Sydney
The Right Test for the Right Person in the Right Setting
4:00 PM - 4:10 PMBiography
A/Prof Morgyn Warner
Clinical Director, Microbiology And Infectious Diseases
SA Pathology
Implementing reflexive HCV testing in the Laboratory
4:10 PM - 4:20 PMBiography
Mr Paul Robinson
Viral Hepatitis Clinical Nurse Consultant
Unsw/ Kirby Institute
Implementing POC & DBS testing in a health service - which test to choose?
4:20 PM - 4:30 PMBiography
I have extensive experience working in BBV and sexual and reproductive health, focusing on improving access, equity, and outcomes for priority populations. I am currently the Viral Hepatitis Clinical Nurse Consultant with SESLHD Drug & Alcohol Services, responsible for the coordination and management of BBV and sexual health care for clients accessing AOD services across the district. My work is focused on integrating BBV and sexual health care into AOD settings, strengthening clinical pathways, and supporting multidisciplinary teams to deliver flexible and stigma‑free care that meets people where they are at.
Mr Chris Wallis
Nurse Practitioner
Hepatitis Australia
Shifting testing modalities in Prison - how to best deploy POC and reflexive testing in prison?
4:30 PM - 4:40 PMBiography
Mx Julie Byrne-King
Nurse Practitioner Candidate
Peer Based Harm Reduction Wa
Out on the road - experiences in delivering testing in a mobile van
4:40 PM - 4:50 PMBiography
Ms Shae Roberts
Peer HCV Case Management Worker
Peer Based Harm Reduction WA
Out on the road - experiences in delivering testing in a mobile van
4:40 PM - 4:50 PMBiography
Ms Donna Garcia
Nsp Coordinator/Liaison Officer
HepatitisWA
What do clients prefer? Experiences from peers & community organisations
4:50 PM - 5:00 PMBiography
Donna has worked at HepatitisWA’s NSP for nine years, beginning as a volunteer after the accidental overdose death of her sister inspired her to support others affected by drug use. She has extensive frontline and grassroots experience, she also now works as an Aboriginal Liaison Officer, helping bridge the gap for Aboriginal clients accessing non-Aboriginal-specific NSP and clinical services, including point-of-care testing (POCT). Donna also delivers POCT outreach as a trained operator, and facilitates yarning sessions at refuges and AOD services, creating culturally safe spaces for education, engagement, and support.
Jessica McNabb
Clinic Nurse
HepatitisWA - The Deen Clinic
What do clients prefer? Experiences from peers & community organisations
4:50 PM - 5:00 PMBiography
VH2026
Discussion
5:00 PM - 5:30 PMBiography
Chairperson
Jason Grebely
Professor
The Kirby Institute, Unsw Sydney
Alisa Pedrana
Principal Research Fellow
Burnet Institute