Confusing test results

[mlb41280]

I just got my test results back. The test was Hepatitis C RNA by RT-PCR, Qualitative. The results read HCV RNA not detected. This result dies not rule out the presence of HCV RNA. What does that mean?

[can-do-man]

I would call the lab or your doctor but since it says "not detected" and the range goes down to 15, which is very low it seems clear you do not have Hep C.

If there was a viral load under 15 it would have said <15 detected.

"A “<15 Detected” means the assay was able to detect HCV RNA but was not able to accurately quantitate the viral load. A “<15 Not Detected” means the assay did not detect HCV RNA (Target Not Detected).

[mlb41280]

I meant presence not offence

[mlb41280]

But why does it say on the test, "this does not rule out the offence of HCV RNA"

[can-do-man]

Test Name

Hepatitis C Viral RNA, Quantitative, Real-Time PCR

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR)

Reference Range(s)

HCV RNA, Quantitative, PCR <15 IU/mL
HCV RNA, Quantitative, PCR <1.18 Log IU/mL
This test was performed using the COBAS® Ampliprep/COBAS® TaqMan® HCV test kit (Roche Molecular Systems, Inc).

Clinical Significance

Useful in monitoring therapy and/or disease progression. Reportable range is 15 to 100,000,000 IU/mL (1.18-8.00 Log IU/mL).



Question. What do these test results mean: “<15 Detected” or “<15 Not Detected”?

A “<15 Detected” means the assay was able to detect HCV RNA but was not able to accurately quantitate the viral load. A “<15 Not Detected” means the assay did not detect HCV RNA (Target Not Detected).This test is performed using the COBAS® AmpliPrep/COBAS® Taqman® HCV Test v2.0. The lowest viral load this assay can accurately quantify is 15 IU/mL, but the limit of detection is 10-13 IU/mL. Therefore, we can qualitatively report detection even if the viral load is under 15 IU/mL.

http://www.questdiagnostics.com/testcenter/TestDetail.action?ntc=35645
------------------------------
While this is a confusing way of saying you do not have Hep C as the range only goes down to 15 IU/ml. It would be near impossible to have a viral load under 15 in your case. And the test says not detected. You are fine. Hope this helps.

[Rickye]

If my Rcv,RNA,QN,PCR IS &lt;15  AND LOG 6.08 &lt;1.18 DOES THAT MEAN IT IS DETECTED AND CAN BE CURED