no genotype

[worriedintn38]

I've only been diagnosed with hep c for two months, recently my dr got my lab work back and said my levels are so low that I can't be genotyped, has anyone ever heard of this? What does it mean? Is it a good thing?

[Sma1027]

I have the exact same situation.  The nurse called me today to tell me that my viral load is so low, they couldn’t determine the genotype.  Without the genotype she said insurance might not cover it.  I’ve been infected for 10 years, but didn’t have insurance to get it treated.  I am curious about how your situation panned out?

[reallyscaredindian]

hi worried,

gall bladder has nothing to do with hcv. you do not have hcv.

[worriedintn38]

The only other problem I seem to be having is gallbladder, same dr sent me to have a hidascan done and my gallbladder is only functioning at 24%

[worriedintn38]

Yes and he said my levels were very low and that's why he couldn't genotype me

[reallyscaredindian]

Its perfectly okay to be confused. Did you have a viral load test?

[worriedintn38]

If that's means I cleared the virus, why would my dr say he doesn't know how to treat me? And if he did treat me it would have to be for type 1 since he can't genotype me? I'm just confused sorry

[worriedintn38]

Its such a relief hearing you say that!!!!  Should I have the test repeated to see if they can genotype me just in case there was an error?

[reallyscaredindian]

Yes, you do not have hepatitis c anymore.

[worriedintn38]

Thanks for the advice I really appreciate it!  I go back to the gastro dr tomorrow, is there anything I should ask him? I'm truly hoping this means I've cleared the virus. I worry so much all the time.Is there any other test or treatment required if my genotype can't be determined? The only thing the dr said to me was, if he couldn't genotype me then he didn't know how to treat me. So this means I don't have hep c?

[can-do-man]

I seen where you had been tested 2 months ago which would have been the antibody test only so it does sound as you do not have the actual virus but just the antibodies. This does happen as people are exposed  but their immune system beats it back... Yes this would be very good news indeed.

[can-do-man]

As a matter of fact this question was asked before, wishing you the best and hoping this is the case.

"After speaking with the doctor, you now realize that HCV genotyping requires quantifiable viral load in order to process the test? I don’t have specifics, but I believe sufficient HCV RNA is necessary to determine genotype,."

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Hepatitis-C/HCV-Viral-load--Anti-Bodies-and-Genotype/show/1388542