Positive qual pcr and UND more sensitive quan pcr on same day in week 36

I reported last week a positive pcr qualitative taken on March 6 with a sensitivity of 50> IU/ml.  Just got the results of the pcr quantitative with a sensitivity of 25> IU/ml drawn at the same time as the positive qualitative pcr.

The more sensitive quantitative came back as undetectable.  

So I am not making any changes to treatment and am still aiming for 72 weeks (gen 1a, high pre-tx viral load <3.5 million, post-transplant, peg-intron and 1200 mg riba daily).  Doctor said the positive pcr qualitative was probably a lab error, since the quantitative is far more sensitive anyway.  Have had seven undetectable pcr's since clearing at week 22.

Biopsy on March 6 showed "no significant fibrosis" after being F2 in June 2005, so my fibrosis improved by 1-2 grades (possibly more since my June 2005 biopsy was a full year before I started treatment).  Even if treatment fails, it will have bought me a few years probably for the protease inhibitors to get approved!

[mkeela]

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so happy for you and so very glad you had the other test taken!!! Thanks for keeping the board informed, take care now and Bless you. Mequila

[wyntre9]

I am so happy for you.  Keep it up!

[BThompson4]

Thanks for the kind words.  I'm finally getting back into the right frame of mind to keep at the treatment.

[BThompson4]

I take shot 39 of 72 Thursday.  I was prepared to quit tx today (or as soon as dr told me; doubt he would have me continue is both tests had been positive at this late date) but, given the fibrosis improvement, I would have been way satisfied with the whole experience even with a viral breakthrough.  

I don't think I have ever received 100% good news in dealing with this disease.  Even the transplant implies future repeated hcv infection.

SVR would be great!

[ladybug52]

Congratulations! Those tests results help put you in the right frame of mind, right? Week 36-- I tip my hat to you, and this is your second go around or first?
Bug

[wyntre9]

I have to confess I didn't completely understand your situation.  You're post-transplant, your biopsy shows a 1-2 grade improvement and you're now on 72 week tx, right?

It sure sounds like you have reason to celebrate and I'm so glad that you're feeling more positive about continuing.

What week of TX are you on?

[friole]

If your qualitative test was positve to 50 but youq quantitative test was negative to 25, does that not mean you still may have virons in the 0-25 range?  Could you get a truly sensitive test like Quest's Heptimax or LabCorp's QuantSure?

[mikesimon]

I just now saw your news and I think it's wonderful! Good luck, Mike