LabCorp Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), Quantitative, Real-time PCR #550080

[lynda607]

Apparently Labcorp has recently changed the quantifiable range of this assay from 43 IU/mL to 25 IU/mL which  meets the recommended criterion of Vertex and Merck in their trials.   The limit of detection is 7.1 IU/mL which is quite sensitive and turnaround time is usually 3-4 days.  IMO, anyone undergoing triple therapy should be quite comfortable with this PCR.  There is the Heptimax which has a quantifiable range of 5 IU/mL and LabCorp QuantaSure which has a quantifiable range of 2 IU/mL but the turnaround time for those PCR's are around 11 and 22 days respectively.  With triple therapy being response guided, it's important the results from those crtitical PCR's which determine futility are available as soon as possible in order to prevent additional exposure to the DAA if the futility rules apply.  

Whatever you are your doctor are comfortable with is the best route to take with PCR testing but IMO if you have access to the LabCorp #550080 there should be no reservations in using it.  

[flcyclist]

Quest's Heptimax test is a 2 part test, and includes the following test:
1. Hep C Viral RNA, Quant Real-Time PCR (if <43 IU/mL, then do #2)
2. Hep C Viral RNA, Quantitative TMA  (<5 IU/mL)

You actually have 3 choices here.  You can do the Heptimax test to include both, or do either the RT-PCR or TMA by itself.  After doing the initial RT-PCR, which I believe is standard for most docs to order, I requested doing the more sensitive TMA since I knew I was und according to the 4 week RT-PCR.  

I hope this helps to clarify some.

http://www.questdiagnostics.com/hcp/intguide/jsp/showintguidepage.jsp?fn=TS_Heptimax.htm

http://www.questdiagnostics.com/hcp/intguide/jsp/showintguidepage.jsp?fn=TS_HCV_RNA_QuantPCR.htm

http://www.questdiagnostics.com/hcp/intguide/jsp/showintguidepage.jsp?fn=TS_HCV_RNA_QuantTMA.htm


Linda, my apologies taking away from your original point.

[ninjamonkey]

So if we want this test instead of the regular pcr they do just ask doctor for heptimax? I want to ask my pa about it on my next pretreatment appointment.

[flcyclist]

Quest's Heptimax test is a 2 part test, RT-PCR and the TMA test.  If the RT-PCR in negative (<43), then the more sensitve TMA (<5) is done.

Since Labcorp is changing the range of thier test, I wonder if Quest will follow their lead in the near future.

[James10500]

Interesting my last PCR's were <18. I've also had Heptimax, at week 8.

[lynda607]

If the PCR order indicates "Heptimax" that is what Quest will perform.

[GINGERPAL]

I spelt that incorrectly - the prescription is written out as "Heptimax".

[GINGERPAL]

I go to Quest for my blood work.  My RN wrote my prescription simply as "Heptrimax".    Is that the same as the TMA...as I want the most sensitive test results (which goes down  to 5 iu/ml) - does the prescription need to idenfity anything else,  or is it ok as is?

[frijole]

That is interesting, Lynda.  I have often wondered why the tests were all done with the quantifible range of 25 yet we could not seem to get this test.  I don't know when it was changed, but the test I had done on 9/22 stil had a quantifable range of 43.  

I know it takes longer to get the QuantaSure back but I don't ever remember waiting that long

ev - what a drive just for the test but you are right - there is a certain comfort level you must have in the testing facility

[flcyclist]

Since my insurance only covers Quest, I'm only familiar with their tests.  For those using Quest for initial test, I'd recommend doing using the Heptimax test for the first 4 week PCR.  After that, I've used just the second part of the Heptimax test, the TMA (5 IU/mL) and the results were back in 4 days.

Nice to see the tests are getting more sensitive and hopefully more affordable.  Thanks for sharing.

[evangelin]

Thankyou, I'm glad to have this information.  We are driving an hour from home just to go to Lab Corp directly for blood draws.  The local hospital we have used in the past have had too many mess-ups and mishaps, some on their part and some on the part of the lab they use.  We decided we had better just make the drive in hopes of more efficiency and faster turn around time.  We made the drive to the big city yesterday and the traffic was terrible but your post helped me feel better about the relative inconvenience.  
Ev