bloodwork

Hello everyone!!
                          Taking my second shot this Friday and before I can take it I have to have bloodwork. I understand that they will be checking my hemoglobin but I am wondering if they will check my viral load too? Is that routine or will they only check  it at certain checkpoints? Also does anyone know what the abbreviation for the viral load test is on the bloodwork order form? Just asking cause I have the form and it is already checked.

[mpace6983]

The abbreviation for viral load is HCV RNA. A baseline viral load count is usually done b4 you start treatment,then, some Dr's will do  V/L  bloodwork at 4/8/12 weeks.some only do a 12 week some check V/L on all three 4 ,8 and 12 weeks. They are hoping for a "non detectable" viral load,hopefully by at least 12 weeks. They usually test again at 24 weeks. If at 24 weeks, you are not "nondetectable" or detectable but <10 or something REALLY low. They may decide to D/C treatment. Dont start to worry about this stuff yet. Your on week 2 . Deal with week 2. Try to worry as little as possible. Mental stress is just as hard on you as physical exaustion.

[Bill1954]

Hi there,

The viral load tests will generally be taken at pre-determined intervals. Depending on how thorough your doctor is, it might be prior to treatment, again at 4 weeks, 12 weeks, 24 weeks, and possibly at end of treatment. Of course, this can vary greatly among doctors; some do VL testing monthly throughout therapy.

The ‘abbreviation’ for this test can be almost anything :o). Seriously, it might be noted as ‘HCV RNA by PCR’ or HCV RNA Quantitative, something like that.

Welcome, by the way—

Bill

[copyman]

Insist on a viral load test (PCR) at 4 weeks.  This is perhaps the most important test besides the 6 month post test. The 4 week test will help make treatment decisions later on. If your doctor won't order it then see if your primary doctor will. Get it even if you have to pay for it out of pocket. Good luck