Cost for VL test

I live in Texas and I am wanting to do a blood test on my own to find out if my viral load has changed in the last few months.  I also want to check my ALT & AST.  Does anyone have any idea about what it costs out of pocket if you don't go through your insurance.  What other levels should I have tested?  I am thinking Vitamin D and B and ferritin...appreciate any other suggestions.  I am Genotype 3a... do I need to get an IL28B test?  Any idea about cost for that?  Thanks in advance everyone for your input.  Have a wonderful weekend!

[charm27]

I am in Texas now and had a PCR done last month. I have no insurance at this time and paid 300.00 out of pocket.

Im SVR 3 years post tx.

My doc said he gave me a discount and it can be as high as 600.00--

Regards

[flcyclist]

The cost of the PCR depends on the level of sensitivity - the more sensitive, the more expensive.  I believe it ranges from about $200-500 depending on the test.

I'd suggest you call Labcorp and Quest to see if they will give you a quote for each of the tests you're interested in.  They might give you a discount if they know you don't have insurance.  Worth asking.  

[Advocate1955]

My receipts are somewhat confusing and don't always list specifically what the lab charges are for, but instead give more of a total (not broken down).  So far as I can tell, the alpha fetoprotein test was about $39.00, the PCR was about $562, the CBC ranged from $15 - 100 (probably depending upon which tests were run on those particular days), the liver function tests were about $39, and the HCV genotyping test was about $300.  However, the genotyping was done in 2007.  The rest are more recent.  There may also be additional charges for the blood draw, etc.  You might try looking on Quest's website to see if they list any prices for specific tests.
Advocate1955

[JasmineT]

I wanted an extra pcr test, it was over $500, I waited.  Expensive.

[copyman]

Please keep in mind that paying for a PCR just "to find out if my viral load has changed in the last few months" is not necessary and a waste of money. The VL fluctuates day to day and means nothing unless treating. Doing other tests like the LFT's, AFP, CBC are justified and good idea to do every 6 months when "not" treating. Also regular ultrasounds are a good idea.
Best of luck

[desrt]

Copyman makes a good point, that unless you're actually treating, extra viral load tests are a waste of $500+. Save the money for a good LabCorp Quantasure at week 2 or 6 if you can't get your insurance to cover it. As a genotype 3, even the IL28B ($300+) is only important if you're still detectible at week 4.

http://www.gastrojournal.org/article/S0016-5085(10)00841-3/abstract

[desrt]

ALT/AST tests are comparetively cheap.

[Advocate1955]

I agree with the posters above, there is no reason for a VL test if you had one recently and you are not currently treating.  The VL will go up and down on given days in between treatments and does not mean anything in terms of progression of liver damage.
Advocate1955

[belle19]

went to a county clinic and they charged me $160.00.  good luck.  belle

[Idyllic]

I noticed you live in SA. I live just outside the city and I have been seeing Dr. Lawitz for the past 6 years. When I was at his doctor's office yesterday I saw a flyer for free testing. Either way you should check out Alamo Medical Research. Dr. Lawitz has been involved in research, clinical trials & treatment for HCV (PAs as well as a few other types of meds) for years.

Plus, they might work with you on payment or point you in the right direction if you do need assistance.

http://www.alamomedicalresearch.com/

Either way I think there are different places in the city that test for HCV & HIV for free.

[copyman]

I think the tests that are free from clinics, etc are just the antibody test not a PCR. "Free" HIV & HCV tests simply say Neg or Pos.