4th week vl test:Quantasure 140639 or Ultraqual 140609

I found out that when my doctor drew blood for my 2 wk viral load that he ordered the LabCorp HCV Quantasure Plus # 550027 (I do not have the results yet).
I would like to go directly to LabCorp for my 4th viral load test -  I want to call my doctor and ask for the lab prescription in advance and I want to request the most sensitive VL LabCorp test.   I was going to ask my doctor for the  LabCorp test NGI HCV Quantasure # 140639.   But I also understand that there is another part to this test which is the NGI HCV Ultraqual # 140609.   For my 4th week viral load test, which one should I ask my doctor for:  Quantasure 140639 or Ultraqual 140609?    Thanks. GingerB

[jmjm530]

LabCorp's test NGI HCV Quantasure # 140639 already includes the UltraQual.

So...if the Quantasure Plus shows UND, then moving forward, all you need to order is the
UltraQual (140609). However, if the Quantasure Plus is positive, then you should use
#140639 for future tests if you want a more sensitive test.

-- Jim

[GingerB]

Thanks jim.  So if the Quantasure Plus shows UND, I will get the UltraQual  140609.       If the Quantasure Plus is positive, then I get the 140639.  
Just to make sure I understand, I will get the 140639 until it shows UND  and then switch to the 140609.  Right ?!    Thanks.  Ginger B.

[jmjm530]

You got it :)

Of course, nothing wrong with sticking to the Quantasure Plus (550027) -- limit 10 IU/ml -- but this all assumes you are looking for the most sensitive test available. Also, HR suggests fewer false positives with the NGI tests specified. Another alternative, depending on insurance, etc, is "Heptimax" by Quest Diagnostics which goes down to 5 IU/ml. Not as sensitive per specs as Quantasure (2-3 IU/ml), however it does directly quantify viral load starting at 5 IU/ml while Quantasure has a gap between the Ultraqual and the quantitative portion of Quantasure. Therefore if you are UND via the quantitative and UND via Ultraqual, then what you get is an estimation of something inbetween. Like with anything else, nottin's perfect :)

-- Jim

[jmjm530]

Last sentence should have read in part -- "..therefore if you are UND via the quantitative and  detectible via the  Ultraqual...

[GingerB]

thanks again jim for you help.  Ginger B.

[cruelworld]

its easier to stick to the one you are using until you reach und.
after that is when the extra sensitivity is really worth it.