Quantitative , Qualitative

I just recieved my 12 week Viral load test, it was HCV RNA PCR Quant <43, Doc said I was undetectable, I was reading on the internet somewhere and it suggested a HCV RNA PCR Qualitative test now ,as the quantitative just will indicate a very low to non existant presence of the virus, but a Qualitative will reveal for sure(!) any presence, is this true??

[copyman]

the qualitative test can be used once you become undetected or post tx. The test is much easier to read because it simply states positive or negative. Depending on the test & lab it could be more accurate and also less expensive.

[charm27]

Great news!!!


Charm

[Jakied]

the quali Pcr is more sensitive than the quanti.  usually, when someone is starting treatment, a quanti pcr is used to determine the beginning 'viral load.'  

When someone is tested for presence of the virus, a quali Pcr is used because

it is more sensitive and will give a result of virus detected or virus not detected.

Quali Pcr will not determine the viral load.

Your neg quanti Pcr at 12 weeks is GREAT news.  You are almost surely on your

way to the magic land of SVR (sustained viral response.)

Congratulations.

[nygirl7]

Very good news on your UND.  Keep up the great work!