12 Week PCR Results

I just posted on the other Hep C forum as well:

I just got my labs back from my 12 week PCR. It took forever!
I've heard alot about what tests should be done, but am in Canada, and my Doctor would only order this certain one.

This is what it says:

Hepatitis C Viral Qual
Qualitative Hep C Nat

"No HCV RNA detected by Qualitative RT PCR. Interpretation: Findings consistent with resolved HCV infection or absence of HCV infection (lower limit of quantification 10IU per ML)"

What does the 10IU per ML mean?

Good to know that they did not dectect and HCV RNA, but did they actually do the test that shows how many actual virus were there?

Should I be asking for a different test?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Also wondering about WBC results.  What should I be looking for - aside from just my WBC count (my WBC count is .5 (normal is 2.0-8.0)Neutrophils?

[jmjm530]

You're fine. They used a very sensitive qualitative test which had a limit of 10 IU/ml, and you are non-detectible. No need for any other test at this point. Congratulations! You should be looking for something called "absolute neutrophils". It'a a fraction of the WBC and more important than WBC in terms of what you need to know. Hemoglobin, of course should be monitored as well along with the other standard tests.

-- Jim

[DayLyn]

I just read a similar comment from Mike on the other forum.

Thanks very much for verifying that for me.  What about the Absolute neutrophils.  How low before you start to worry?

Also, my labs said some weird thing "Abnormal RBC shapes -mainly elliptocytes".   What do you  think that might mean?

It's a very happy day today!

Kindest regards to you.

Day

[jmjm530]

Varies with the doctor. Some start to get concerned at 750 and some at 500. My hepatolgist doesn't get concerned unless they get below 300 and stay there. ANC (absolut neuts) have a tendency to bounce around a lot. One week mine were 320 and two weeks later over 1000. My medical group rarely intervenes with helper drugs for low ANC but the drug used to raise ANC is Neupogen.

[DayLyn]

Thanks for you advice - I appreciate it.

My ANC has been between .5 & .7 for the last 3 months.  This would probably explain why I get every flu and cold that comes around, I guess.

Do you have any opinion on the RBC comment on my labs.  That's freaking me out a bit.  My Hepatologist hasn't returned my phone call yet, and just wondering if it means anything to anyone here.

[sunshine007]

Hi,

I was just wondering which other website you were referring to.  Thanks!

[jmjm530]

I don't think it means anything of significance, but best to hear that from your hepatologist.

-- Jim

[DayLyn]

Just on the Hep C Community forum.  I don't peruse any other websites, but I'm sure there's got to be more than a few out there.

Day

[ladybug52]

Congratulations on being und! What a great feeling, right?
Hope you heard from your hemo by now so you won't have to worry about those RBC's. I have heard of that happening pretty frequently to those on tx. This is my opinion on the subject: Since the drugs destroy our blood cells while destroying the virus, it seems that our production of new blood cells causes a variance in size and other features during tx. Is your HGB within normal levels? The elliptocytes are found in some types of anemia.
Remember, just my opinion, let me know what your dr says 'cause I could be way off base!
Bug

[friole]

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/489088_3

Check that sight out - eliptocytosis - elongating red blood cells -- could be iron deficiency anemia, macrocytic anemia, sicle cell anemia, thalassaenemia, or hereditary elliptocytosis.

Macrocytosis could be caused by a B12 deficiency or is common in liver disease.

As for low absolute neutrophils.  --- The .5 is your absolute neutrophil number, not your WBC -- right?  If you are getting a lot of infections it might be acvisable to talk to your doctor.   Do they refer to hemotologists (blood specialists) in Canada?  I think I would ask for a refferal if they do.  In my opinion, you are a canditate for Neupogen.  It should help boost the ANC and help with those infections.

frijole