Does NOt detected necessarily mean UNDetected (4 Week Labs)

[Idyllic]

HCV RT-PCR, Quant (Non-Graph)
Hepatitis C Quantitation   HCV Not Detected IU/mL   
HCV log10        
Unable to calculate result since non-numeric result obtained for component test.


The quantitative range for this assay is 25 IU/mL to 69 Million IU/mL using a combination of Taqman real-time PCR (LLOQ 43 IU/mL) plus reflex to another Taqman assay (LLOQ 25 IU/mL) for low viral load samples that were detectable by the original Taqman real-time PCR assay but not quantifiable. The limit of detection of the assay is 7.1 IU/mL for HCV Genotype 1.

Question: Does this mean my VL is lower than 25 IU/mL or 7.1 IU/mL & I am technically not UND yet, right?

[flcyclist]

"Your test had two part test: 1st part had a quantification limit of 25 IU/mL; 2nd with a quantification level of 7.1 (for 1a's).  According to your statement, no HCV RNA levels were detected."

I agree with part of your statement above.

1st part LLOQ - 43 IU/mL - detected
2nd part LLOQ - 25 IU/mL - not detected
The limit of detection (LOD) of the (both??) assay is 7.1 IU/mL

[willbb]

Hmm.  interesting

[willbb]

The test the way I read it means that you were UND.  However what did your doctor say?  He is the one that needs to interpret these tests correctly
.If he is unsure demand that he contact the lab for clarification. That is his job and why he is being paid.

These tests are far to important not tot have concise and quick exact interpretation by the professionals that are paid to inform us correctly..
Best to you..
Will

[flcyclist]

Can I change my answer??? :-) After reading the responses it rattled my memory and reminded me of a previous post that dealt with the same situation.   Fortunately, Eureka helped me see the light :-)

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Hepatitis-C/Taqman-Clarification/show/1663796#post_7590262

The sample was detectable by the original Tagman RT-PCR, but not quantifiable (LLOQ 43).  Another more sensitive (LLOQ 25) Taqman assay was run and the results were determined "Not Detected".  Therefore, this more sensitive assay is the definitive result of the test.  

What I find confusing is that I thought the limit of detection of the both assays is 7.1 IU/mL.  This stuff continues to mystify me since it shouldn't be that complicated in translating the results.  Hopefully your doctor can help explain this to you.  

[hrsepwrguy]

I was also DET at 4 wks

Roche Ampliprep and Tagman and specifically says

Virus detectable below limit of quantification

[JasmineT]

You should talk to your doctor of course but I just got my week 24 labs last week and they say the same.  I am UND.

My Interpretation, not an expert:
Hcv not detected = UND is my understanding too as stated by suezeeque above

Hcv log10
Unable to calculate...
Think of this as a divide by 0 error.  The software tried to divide your viral load, which had no value.  Since you do not have a viral load number, the software could not calculate a log, it needs a number.

The quantitative range...
This is a description of the sensitivity of the test.  Since it can only measure above a certain level of viral load, it's possible there is some small amount of virus still lurking.  This is why people relapse from und so keep treating.

Not a doctor and can't see your results but believe congratulations are in order.