vl test @8 week

I wonder how frequent you get your vl test done .
I had mine done @4weeks and while I was und the doc will do no vl test @8weeks and make the next vl @12 weeks.
How does your doc handle this.

[pooh55811]

I am not sure how often most docs do the VL testing. I know with response guided therapy, a VL is needed at 4 weeks and 12 weeks and again at 24 weeks  to determine how a person is responding to treatment and if treatment should continue.

I was less than 43 but still detectable at 4 weeks. My next VL test was done at 8 weeks, I think mainly because I was still detectable at 4 weeks and my doc wanted to know if I was undetectable at 8 weeks, but I could be wrong about that. Maybe my doc always does them at 8 weeks too. My case manager said something about ordering the test at 8 weeks because I was still detectable at 4 weeks. (I was undetectable at 8 weeks). My next VL was done at 12 weeks and I had a nother at 16 weeks. I will have another at 20 weeks if I understood my case manager correctly and then again at 24 weeks. (So I think my doc must do them every 4 weeks.) Aftr that I don't know how often I will have them done (I have to do 48 weeks).

Hope that helps.

[flcyclist]

From the incivek prescribing information:
HCV-RNA levels should be monitored at weeks 4 and 12 and as clinically indicated. Use of a sensitive real-time RT-PCR assay for monitoring HCV-RNA levels during treatment is recommended.

Hematology evaluations (including white cell differential count) are recommended at weeks 2, 4, 8 and 12 or as clinically appropriate thereafter.

I'm on SOC so I've follow this protocol with 4, 12, 24 week PCR's.  I'll have any at 48 weeks (EOT).  I've noticed on this forum that many doctor's have ordered a 2 week PCR to check for early response.  I suppose they are anxious to see how quickly the new PI's are working which may provide better data for response guided trt in the future.  I noticed you're from Switzerland, so the philosophy may be different in your country.  

[3rdHerd]

Rexx,

I had my VL tested in week four (<43) and week 12 (UD).  I'm scheduled for week 24.  I'm on a 48 week schedule.  I'm told they don't test the VL load again until week 48.

[orphanedhawk]

I asked a similar question not long ago.
Here's the link:

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Hepatitis-C/How-often-are-you-doing-viral-loads/show/1661720#post_7582580

[Advocate1955]

My husband had VL checks at week 4,8, 12, and would have had one at 16, but was rescheduled due to weather to next week (week 18). I think it's only required at weeks 4, 12, and 24.
Advocate1955

[flcyclist]

"Just ask the doc if you can get an 8 week test for your own peace of mind."
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If you insurance doesn't cover it be prepared to pay out of pocket for the PCR.   It depends on how lenient your insco is.  

[brianmo]

I had 4,8,12 and again at 24.  Depends on insurance and the doctors office can check on this for you. It's an expensive test so be ready.