HCV RNA results

I started the Telaprivir trail on 12/26/08. My starting vl was 5mil. I was able to get a HCV RNA test on 1/21 and received the results today. It returned a negative for HCV. I found out that they did the qualitative test instead of the quantitative. Is there a difference? If the qualitative were positive, would it not have given a quantity instead of just negative?
Is this promising or am I reading too much into it and should wait and get a quantitative HCV RNA.

Mike

[Tippyclubb]

Just giving you a bump up.  I'm not sure of the answer but my PCR ( old one ) states  quantitative.  Someone whos knows will chime in shortly.  How are doing on tx.?  Take care.

[jmjm530]

do you know the sensitivity of the qualitative? in general, they are more sensitive than quantitative's which is good for you. At face value I'd say a big congratulations! of course always best to get your own copy of the test results to make sure what they're telling you on the phone -- assuming that's what happened -- is actually on paper.

[Tippyclubb]

Jim you are saying  a qualitative is better than the quantitative?  What would one ask for when getting the PCR?  What's the proper wording?

[jmjm530]

it really depends where you're at in  treatment, as to which test is better. To oversimplify, once you become UND via quantitative, a sensitive qualitative test is all you really need. Since a lot of people are confused about this, and I'm talking about doctors and nurses here as well :) -- quest labs developed a very sensitive quantitative test which can be used before, during, and after treatment. The name of the test is "Heptimax".

[portann]

Check this thread out:

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/show/285457

[nygirl7]

If you have reached UND then that is great news.....I would make sure though they are doing a nice sensitive test on you to make sure that it is a true 4 week UND here.

Then you will be able to go forward with the meds knowing that they are sure working and you are right on target and have a great shot at total success.

[cindyh113]

Amen to that one! That sounds good to me, knowing it is working. I am interested in how the treatment is going and hope you keep posting. Very glad you got in on the trial and praying it all goes well!

[mnl1]

I had my primary care order the test for me; it was done at my medical clinic here in Riverside. My doctor gave me a copy of the report this morning so I have the actual paper work.

Treatment is going good... I have my moments but overall I thank God for his grace. The Telaprivir inflamed some anal stuff (rash in a bad area) but I here that is becoming a common tread on the Telaprivir trial.

Thanks jmjm530 for your informed response. My doctor ordered me to have the test done at the end of Feb. and Mar. and he changed it for the next time to be quantitative.

I will keep you posted on my progress.

[mnl1]

Jim the top of my lab report says Lab Corp. I am assuming that they are a lab that many Medical Clinics use. In your opinion is the test from a reliable lab or should I say as nygirl7 says a nice sensitive test.

I read the thread posted by portann, not sure what to make of it.