Hep C VL Tests Available

To all concerned,

What is the most sensitive VL test availabe?

The company that my Hep Doctor sent the samples to be tested used something called "Hep C RNA Ultraqt w/Refle". This test is only sensitive down to 615 IU/mL.


Thank you.

[desrt]

There's a long discussion of this about 18 threads down.

[jmjm530]

Your test may be more sensitive than you think. "With Reflex" often means that if the first test is negative, they run a more sensitive test. So it's possible that the 615 IU/ml refers to the first test and if positive it will be "reflexed" to a more sensitive TMA test that might go down as low as 5-10 IU/ml. Best to call lab and find out but speak to a supervisor because the ones that answer the phone often aren't very knowledgeable.

If it turns out that indeed your test only goes to 615 IU/ml, then the kind of test you take depends on where you are in treatment. Pre-treatment 615 IU/ml is fine. Once you start treatment you probably want a more sensitive test. One very good one is Quest Diagnostic's "Heptimax" Test with a sensitivity of 5 IU/ml. Once you become non-detectible with a sensitive test like Heptimax, you can continue to be monitored with Heptimax or switch to a sensitive Qualtiative like Quest's "HCV RNA Qualitative TMA" which also has a sensitivity of 5 IU/ml.

Hope this helps.

-- Jim

[jmjm530]

Second sentence of last post should have read:

"...So it's possible that the 615 IU/ml refers to the first test and if *negative* it will be "reflexed" to a more sensitive TMA test that might go down as low as 5-10 IU/ml..."

[depressedjames]

Test used on 04/28/2005 was "Hep C RNA Ultraqt w/Reflex. It was pre-treatment test with a Hep C VL of 2856200.
Reference Range: <615.
"Test was developed from commercial kit labeled "Research Use Only". The kit has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration."

Began treatment: August 2005.
Peginterferon alfa-2b 150 ?g/0.5mL once per week.
Ribaviron: 600mg in morning, 600mg in evening.

November 2005 test results: <615. Reference Range: <615.

Ordered to stop interferon on 07/18/2006.
Ordered to stop Ribaviron on 07/24/2006.

Test used on 07/31/06 was "Hep C RNA Ultrqt" with VL of <615.
Reference Range: <615.

Test on 09/29/2006, VL over 1,000,000. I see Doctor tomorrow, 10/16/2006. Will give exact figures then.


Thank you.

[depressedjames]

Hey!!!!

Quest Diagnostics Incorporated is located here in my town.

I wonder why Denver Health Medical Center doesn't use them.


Thank you.