12-wk post-treatment lab work

[stg088]

Just curious - the doctor's office just faxed over the orders for my 12-week post-treatment labs.  They checked all the standard things - hepatic function, TSH, CBC, Hep C RNA (the important one!), etc, but they also checked PT & INR, which I never had done throughout 48 weeks of treatment.  I know that these tests, crudely put, measure how "thick" or how "thin" blood is, or how long it takes the blood to clot.  Does anyone know why this test is ordered after Hep C treatment is completed?

[copyman]

it is a standard test with HCV. I had the test run before, during & after tx, and I don't have cirrhosis. Hepatologist always include it in their test orders. I guess it helps give them get a better overall idea of liver condition. Test is just checking for clotting of the blood. People with advanced liver disease will have a slower time for blood to clot, i.e. less platelets.

Good luck on the post 12 week RNA test. You are right that it is the "important" test. If you are UND then you are almost guaranteed SVR. It is like 90+% the same as 6 month test.

[eureka254]

My husband has PT & INR checked every month as part of his treatment, but he has cirrhosis and that may be the reason. I'm not sure if it is standard to test PT & INR during treatment or after treatment for those who are not Stage 4; perhaps someone else more knowledgeable will come along and post.  Best wishes for undetected PCRs!