Question: fasting, 4 week labwork/triple therapy?

[Advocate1955]

Hi, my husband is Genotype 1a, diagnosed in 2007, has probably had Hep C for 35 years, and liver damage went from Fibrosis 1-2 to Cirrhosis between 2007 and 2010.  He was a partial responder to 12 weeks of SOC in 2007 and a partial responder to 12 weeks of daily Infergen injections and Riba in 2010.  He had to discontinue both because he did not have the log drop required to continue. Close, but not enough each time. Has been on an AD (first Lexapro with SOC, then Lexapro and Trazadone with daily infergen treatment, now Citalopram with triple therapy) since the first treatment, which have helped with the irritability/anxiety/depression caused by the treatments.  He started triple therapy 4 weeks ago, with Incivek.  It's going pretty well so far with some moderate side effects (Inc. rash/itching, fatigue, anal discomfort/bleeding, etc.), but white and red counts were OK at Wk 1 and Wk 2.  He hasn't missed any days of work as yet.  Tomorrow he does his 4 week blood work at 9 AM and sees his nurse practitioner at 10 AM (wish us luck!).  I know he's done this many times, since this is his third treatment, but we forgot to ask if he needs to fast prior to the 4 week labs tomorrow.  Does anyone know?  Also, I know his nurse practitioner will have some of the lab results by the time he sees her an hour after the labwork, but how long will it take for her to get the results on the viral load? Thanks.

[Advocate1955]

Thanks to everyone for the answers.  That is sort of my memory from past treatments, a few days to a week to get the results of the viral load.  We live in Seattle and his liver specialist is at the University of Washington Medical Center.

[flcyclist]

"how long will it take for her to get the results on the viral load?"
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I just had a PCR done - results were available in 3 days through Quest.  Best of luck to both of you.

[suezeeque]

I had my 12 week draw yesterday and was told I'd get a call between Tues and Thurs next week. :)

[pooh55811]

Livinontheedge answered your question about fasting. As far as the results of the viral load, I think it depends mainly on where you live and which lab does the test. I had my 4th week viral load drawn last Monday, the 24th. I should get the results today. I think some people get theirs in a shorter period of time but others get them in a longer period of time. Hope that helps.

[Advocate1955]

Great!  Thanks for the quick reply.  Maybe he can get his 20 g of fat with a bacon, eggs, toast, and butter breakfast before the appointment!  :)

[Livinontheedge]

No,  He doesnt need to fast.   Food is good and so is drink :)   Good luck on his lab results , I wish you the best.