Guiding myself

[Cyn621]

I haven't posted since Oct. 11 when I asked for advice about quitting incevik a few days early. I did end up quitting 5days early. I personally, just couldn't handle it. I have posted  a few times about issues with my doctor who was really not very supportive through this entire process (and sometimes clueless).  Right now, I'm worried about my viral load:  

At 4 weeks my HCV RNA IU/ml  was <43 and my HCV RNA ,QN, PCR was <1.63 log IU/ML.  My doctor told me at the time I was UND and called an early responder.  At 12 weeks, it was the same exact number.  He told me at the time, those numbers basically mean I'm undetectable. Today I read a post where someone said they were 43 and still not undectable and now I'm really worried if he knows what he is talking about.  Any advice?  Cyndi

[flcyclist]

So I take it that that 4 week result shows the virus was still present (detectable) but the virus number could not be counted and could be anywhere from 7 to 42 IU/ml.
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Pooh,
I interpret these results the same as you based on the following information.

Based on the COBAS AmpliPrep/COBAS TaqMan HCV Test used for this Quest test the overall limit of detection (LOD) for genotype 1 was determined to be 7.1 IU/mL.

see table about 2/3 down page:
http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/test-catalog/print.php?unit_code=83142

[pooh55811]

Yes, my 4 week lab said it was detectable but under 43.

Yes, I was undetctable at 8 weeks.

I agree that the comfort level would be improved if the labs did the most sensitive and accurate tests available.

[frijole]

pooh
I think you are reading the test right.  Your test did have the wording "DETECTABLE" at the 4-week test, correct?  I think they are all using the same test  -- the "COBAS AmpliPrep/COBAS TaqMan HCV Test (Roche Molecular Systems Inc.)" but that Quest does not do the second part that test to determine if there is nonquantifiable virus under 43.  

It sounds like you were Undetected at week 8

In answer to your question, how low is enough to call UND?  I think the lower the test can detect, even if it can't quantify, the more comfort level we have.  I don't think 50 or 43 give much comfort level UNLESS they can detect, but just can't count the virus as low as 7 -- .  7 (this test) 5 (Quest heptimax) and 2 (labcorp Quantasure) should allow you to believe you are nondetectable.  

The quantasure is expensive.  So far, my insurance company has not had a problem with it but if they refused to pay I would go back to the HCV RNA RT

[Karl62]

Hi Cyn,
I myself had to stop treatment. I was on 3x with Incivek with mild side effercts then at week 9 started breaking out and at weeks end of the 11th week the Doc took me off on Incivek. At weeks end 13 he had me stop at drugs, he called me a 1%. He stated that since i was und at weeks 4,8, and12 i should stay und but i have my next draw in Feb.if i clear GREAT, if not i'll have to wait for a new drug. It's such a drag since i was more than half way thru it but my body couldn't take it anymore. So your not alone.

Karl62

[hcvJames]

Sorry Cyn, the last was directed to working dog

[hrsepwrguy]

As far as knowing the virus is 100% no but you can request a test that has a LOD of 2 IU/ml but that is the lowest test currently available