Lab Results ?

I received two of my labs today that I'm not quite sure how to interpret.  Thought maybe someone more  knowledgeable could help.

Was not my regular physician that called and he didn’t really give much information.

The Hepatitis C Viral Genotype test came back “Unable to detect sufficient virion to type/produce results”  Does that sound like the lab messed up the test?

The doctor said that I need to wait until next week for the Quantitive Hepatitis C Viral PCR results are complete which is more sensitive.

Any thoughts on this?

[mike716]

I'm no expert on viral load and viral load tests, but I was under the impression that PCR qualitative was more sensitive than PCR quantitative. I was genotyped when they did my first PCR, which was qualitative (Reverse Transcription Nested PCR, for presence of viral RNA, treated with restriction enzymes to determine the genotype). Unless there's a brand new qualitative PCR that's super-sensitive, either you or your M.D. have got it wrong I think.

Mike

[HepConfused55]

I'm not sure about sensitivity levels of the two tests you mentioned and I don't think the doctor was comparing qualitative vs quantitative.  I think (but am not sure) that his comparative was between the Genotype being undetermined and the Quantitive PCR.

See why I confused?

[Trish77]

If I was going to guess, and also based on your past post that sent you in this direction to be tested in the first place, I would guess that they tried to determine genotype and were unable to as there were insufficient virions upon which to base a result.  I wouldn't be too surprised if your PCR comes back with a very low viral load .. if you have one at all.  It seems, based on your past posts, that you've been tested positive for the HCV antibody but a PCR is required to determine if you have an active infection.  

As nice as it is to have answers, your PCR will tell you what you need to know most of all.  If you have an active viral load or not - and if yes, how high the viral load is.  If you do have active HCV and therefore a measurable viral load, you may have to get the genotype portion done again.  Genotype becomes important to know how you will respond to treatment which is really getting ahead of things here... so, again.. try to be patient and wait til you get your PCR.  Then please post it.

Good luck.

Trish

[HepConfused55]

Thank you.  That really put it into perspective for me.

I should have the PCR back some time next week and will post the results then.

Appreciate the reply.

[copyman]

i think you have antibodies but your body fought off the virus on its own. I will go out on a limb and say you do NOT have hepatitis c.