30 day VL test after EOT

[catqueenjune]

Hi, I've looked for a thread on this but came up empty.  I use a Gastro guy and he said the new time period for checking the VL is one month after EOT.  I have only had 2 VL tests, one at the beginning and one at 12 week which came up clear and it was a sensitive test (if I recall clearly).  It's an expensive test and I have no insurance so I haven't asked for it.  I do want to know but am wondering if I should give it more time.  Has anyone heard of this new time period for testing after EOT?  Thanks.

[Marcia2202]

At my hospital they usually do 12 weeks and 24 weeks and 48 weeks. Some patients don't want to know until 24 weeks, so they skip the 12 week test.

I choose to do the 4 weeks and 24 weeks, as I would like to know as soon as possible, if I relapsed.

[jmjm530]

Yes, 4 weeks EOT (or even earlier) is becoming more standard. It gives you a 90% confidence of SVR. If you want close to 100%, then test 12 weeks after EOT. You can also do both of course.

[catqueenjune]

Thanks so much for the input.  Guess I'll go ahead and do the test at 4 weeks and then push the next one to next year for the 100%.  I'm so happy for rockerforlife!   We can do this!  We Can kill this dragon!  My usually optimistic outlook was pretty hammered by tx and it's great to have this forum and these (mostly) patient people to interact with.  White light and love to all. June