Which HCV RNA blood tests during TX – info seems old – please help

[daytonansb]

Been doing research on HCV RNA blood tests – info seems old – please help

I have been using Labcorps RNA Quanitative PCR with has a sensitivity to 43 IU. I was close to clearing the virus on my own, but just could not do it. I started TX and now I am undetectable in only 2 weeks.
I know need to pick a new test that has a lower range. Most of the posts talk about Quant test and TMA. The problem is most of these posts are from 2006.

While on TX:
What is the recommended couple of tests through LABCorp that has the best sensitivity and why?
What is the recommended best couple of test through QUEST that has the best sensitivity and why?
Please help.

[copyman]

Labcorp has locations nationwide and offers this test. They draw the blood, freeze it then send it overnight to NGI in Cal. to do this special test

[Cory255]

Good for you striving for testing w/ sensitivity better than <43.  Will the medical facilities/labs around that area be able to provide the tests that were mentioned above ?

[copyman]

Labcorp’s NGI Quantasure  # LC 140639  is back online and available now.

I have been waiting for it to be available again for my one year post tx test. I called NGI and they said the lab is back up and running and doing the test again.

[Bill1954]

You could discuss either of these HCV RNA tests; they are both extremely sensitive, and either would be appropriate for in-treatment testing:

Labcorp’s NGI Quantasure  # LC 140639

I believe this is an HCV Quantitative test with a <2 IUmL lower limit of sensitivity. Labpcorp has other HCV tests with similar names; be sure to request the exact number above. Additionally, this test was unavailable recently for a period of time; be sure it is currently available.

Quest diagnostic’s ‘HEPTIMAX’, with a lower limit of sensitivity of 5 IU/mL:
http://www.questdiagnostics.com/hcp/topics/heptimax/heptimax.html

As far as the ‘why’ is concerned, please review this post from the Medhelp archives that discuss this in depth:

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Hepatitis-C/Lab-Corp-no-longer-offering-10-PCR/show/772286

Good luck—

Bill