PCR Test Results

[dj2584]

HCV Genotype by PCR: Indeterminate

HCV RNA Quant. by PCR: <1.6  Unit: log IU
Viral load result for HCV RNA is less than 43 IU/mL.  The log 10 value of the HCV RNA is less than 1.6

HCV RNA Interp.  Not detected


So I'm guessing this is good?  =)  Will I need to be retested in six months-year to see if anything has changed?  My dr. that ordered this test is my suboxone dr.(primarialy a psychiatrist) and doesn't know a whole lot about hepatitis c.  I even needed to tell him what this test was called so he could order it for me.  Hah...You guys have a lot more knowledge so thank you for the info in advance.

[dj2584]

Aww thanks.  =)  I'm PRETTY sure I got the virus in July/August and was diagnosed at the end of September, so perhaps I need to wait a bit longer.  Then again, I COULD have gotten it as early as 2004.  Right now, I'm just taking it as I'm in the clear for now.  And will get retested in six ish months.  But at least for right now I'm okay-and one day at a time as they say.  Thanks for the response.  I hope everything is going okay for you.

[newleaf09]

I read those results as 'not infected'.  The 43 IU/ml is the lower level of detection for the test, kind of a CYA statement for the manufacturer saying that there might be 1 to 42 little virus particles in there but the test can't detect levels that low.  If it's been 6 mos. since you were exposed you can be pretty sure that if actual virus was there, the test would have revealed it.  I'd only do the PCR again if I had been really recently exposed, maybe too recently for enough virus to develop to be detectable by the test.  Lucky girl, you're in the clear.