LESS THAN 615 IU/ML

[RCM829]

I just found out that my 12 week quantatative viral load is LESS THAN 615 IU/ML ,meaning lower than the level of detection in their lab. However, the qualitative HCV RNA is positive, meaning some very small number of virus is still detectable.
Originally I had misunderstood the results as 615 IU/ML.
I assume this is better news, but I thought that ANY number could be detected. Until I speak to my doctor tomorrow, can anyone explain this?

[LN55]

Yes your VL will fluctuate regularly as your own immune system is attacking the virus without treatment. As it was explained to me by my doc., my very low VL at diagnosis didn't necessarily equate to a good thing as it related to my immune system had been really fighting the virus thus potential for damage and I estimate I've had HCV for 34-35 years.He did say that being low at baseline for start of treatment was good for tx outcome (although I think that theory is even in question). Mine had doubled from diagnosis to start of tx. (from 470 IU/mL to 910 IU/mL.) No telling how much it had been up and down or to what range all those years.

[still_above_dirt]

In addition to Quest's Heptimax, if your health insurance prefers that you use LabCorp, they have a test called Quantasure, advertised to be sensitive down to 5 copies/ml = 2 IU/ml. Labcorp test #140639.

[still_above_dirt]

Uhh, yeah, it will go up without treatment because they replicate.

[hrsepwrguy]

"If a person's viral load is 15 IU/mL, then, without treatment, it can go up right?"

Yes if a person is chronically infected the viral load will fluctuate daily

[torn113]

I'm interested in what you said. You caught my attention. I have a question. If a person's viral load is 15 IU/mL, then, without treatment, it can go up right? Need your help or somebody!

[franke566]

I had a Fibrospect done and I am F4 for fibrosis-97% Fibriotic but my ducts are as yet open and my liver levels are fine-viral load is> 115 and I don't have a clue what that means except the Gastroenterologist just rolled his eyes when I asked him about that and said not to worry about it.  I really have a hard time because I fired my original Hepatologist and even called him a quack so I shot myself in the foot there because that is in my record.  I was angry because he didn't tell me that some people (rare) never get
over the side effects.  In fact he told me the side effects would terminate after treatment-wish I would have recorded that.  Good luck. Oh, I had difficult HMO also-I am now on Medicare but back then I fought my HMOs for everything and they always gave in -the problem is staying on the doctor-getting him to order the tests,  Frank

[zazza]

The good news is that the lower your viral load was at week 12, the more likely you are to get to UND soon. And the sooner you get to UND, the more likely you are to get SVR with extended treatment.

Even the <50 IU/ml tests are too insensitive. See if you can get your doc to use a more sensitive test.

When it comes to extending, I agree with Greatbird, detected at all at week 12 means extension. But you had already realized that. I was detected at week 12 with less than 15 IU/ml, which led to my decision to go 72 weeks.

Looking forward to hearing UND from you,
Za

[Bobby1952]

   HMO's only use 1 lab. And some labs only use the less expensive "615 IU/ML" to save money. If it is a HMO your Dr. cannot change labs. He is stuck with it.
   My HMO's lab used the same test. The only one they had. My Dr. could not order the tests for Fibrosis either because they didn't test for Fibrospect or whatever it is called.
  The HMO's want to save money and it is at our expense.  

Bobby

[RCM829]

Got it. As usual, you are well informed. Thanks.

[Bill1954]

We now have quantitative HCV RNA assays with a lower limit of detection to <5 IU/mL and below There is available data that suggests that there is clinical utility to ultra sensitive viral testing; this is only one of many:

http://www.hivandhepatitis.com/2006roberts/hcv/081106_c.html

You might suggest to your doctor to use either Quest diagnostics ‘Heptimax’; it’s sensitive to very low levels of viremia.

Best to you,

Bill

[RCM829]

Grrrr.... In this day and age one would think that a more sensitive test would have been ordered. You are right, the number does make a difference. For one thing it affects the log drop (especially with a low baseline VL). Anyway, thanks for the clarification.

[franke566]

my viral load is 115 after taking TX nearly 4 years ago.  I thought that was bad news but the Drs said it is excellent and there will always be a trace.  

[GreatBird]

For one thing, it means your doctor didn't order a very sensitive test. There are tests that go down to <43 or so now (I'm not good at knowing which is what but there are others here who are). Because your test doesn't quantify below 615 there's no way of knowing what the 12 week viral load is. 400? 32?

I don't think it's better or worse news. It means you still have a detectable viral load at 12 weeks which means you might want to consider extending treatment.

I had a quantitative viral load for several weeks of less than 25 but still there. Happens.