help for alternative to biopsy

[ajaysinghin38]

Hello all
I recently  got detected with hep c genotype 1 ,190000 iu/ml viral load ( .19million)  , fibrobscan score 6.4..not sure when I got it...gavemy blood in emergency donation four years back, my alt/ ast were normal 2 years back in normal medical check up... I thought of waiting for harvoni ...for 9 months ..doc suggested to get biopsy done...is there any other test which can be done..plz suggest

[SurfsideGal]

If you google alternatives to biopsy in hepatitis c patients you will find all the available tests. I agree with Can-do that few biopsies are being done today.

[ajaysinghin38]

Thanks for the reply.... Basically from india harvoni yet to launch... so  I asked doc whether I can wait for it...for 9 months..max...for that he asked me to get biopsy...as he does not believe the fibroscan that much..as you said he said same.. biopsy is gold standard...not sure how to go ahead..

[can-do-man]

While the biopsy is still the gold standard it is being use less and less these days. Your fibroscan score does not indicate cirrhosis, with that and a CBC and a physical exam I would see no reason for one. and yes there is what's called the Fibrosure or Fibrospect blood test that will somewhat indicate damage. With cure rates as high as they are today with these new drugs being cured have never been easier.

I would question my doctor as to why he thinks a biopsy is needed. If one does not have cirrhosis then stages does not matter if one treats.

Best to you.