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what is heptimax with reflex?
Hi Everyone!
Sorry I am new to this! What is the difference between a heptimax test and heptimax with reflex? Usually I am able to get the results of my heptimax within a couple of days. But the report has my heptimax pending for the past two weeks because "specimen was referred for additional TMA testing." Never saw this before...anyone understands what this means? I am almost at 22 wks of tx but not undetected yet (genotype 1a)...so i am hoping further testing means something good :-/
Sorry I am new to this! What is the difference between a heptimax test and heptimax with reflex? Usually I am able to get the results of my heptimax within a couple of days. But the report has my heptimax pending for the past two weeks because "specimen was referred for additional TMA testing." Never saw this before...anyone understands what this means? I am almost at 22 wks of tx but not undetected yet (genotype 1a)...so i am hoping further testing means something good :-/
I will definitely take a look at these articles and learn more about the new medications. My doctor did decide she would extend my tx a year from when I become undetected ( I guess she was hoping I would become undetected by 24 weeks = 72 weeks). I am currently on 1200mg of Ribavirin and 180mcg of Pegasys. One of my main concerns at this point is relapse, but I guess I will have to wait until I get back my TMA results to figure out what my doctor wants to do at this point. I see you were able to attain SVR on your second attempt (congrats!). It is individuals like yourself who gives me inspiration to continue, and hope for the best. So thank you! I guess at this point the worse scenario possible is stopping tx and waiting for the new medications. I really appreciate your feedback and knowledge... it means a lot to a newbie!
Honestly, I think your odds of successfully eliminating the virus are really pretty slim at this juncture.
Has your doctor discussed extending treatment duration to 72 weeks?
There are a number of peer reviewed, published studies that address slow response; here are a couple for review. You might print these and discuss the relative merits with your physician:
http://www.natap.org/2004/EASL/easl_06.htm
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16618403?dopt=Abstract
You might beat the odds; there are a few in here that have done so. Personally, I had a slow response during my first therapy; I didn’t achieve a two log reduction at 12 weeks, and didn’t become undetectable for virus until some time between weeks 16 and 20. I increased ribavirin to 1800 mg/day, and extended to 56 weeks, but relapsed shortly afterward.
Your tenacity is certainly laudable, but I’m not sure the effort will pay off. The new protease inhibitors have very sexy data; keep that in mind as you make decisions.
All the best to you in your efforts-
-Bill
Has your doctor discussed extending treatment duration to 72 weeks?
There are a number of peer reviewed, published studies that address slow response; here are a couple for review. You might print these and discuss the relative merits with your physician:
http://www.natap.org/2004/EASL/easl_06.htm
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16618403?dopt=Abstract
You might beat the odds; there are a few in here that have done so. Personally, I had a slow response during my first therapy; I didn’t achieve a two log reduction at 12 weeks, and didn’t become undetectable for virus until some time between weeks 16 and 20. I increased ribavirin to 1800 mg/day, and extended to 56 weeks, but relapsed shortly afterward.
Your tenacity is certainly laudable, but I’m not sure the effort will pay off. The new protease inhibitors have very sexy data; keep that in mind as you make decisions.
All the best to you in your efforts-
-Bill
Hi Bill,
Thank you for your response! I knew from the beginning I was a slow responder, but I was able to achieve a 3 log drop during my 12 week of tx. So I guess my doctor is hoping before week 24 I should be undetected. I honestly never really questioned her reasoning. The reason why I chose to start standard therapy even though there are new medications coming out soon, was because I just want to get this virus out of my body ASAP. I am willing to try all avenues and not give up fighting to rid myself of this virus. I contracted Hep C from a blood transfusion as a infant, and was only diagnosed in 2007. She also emphasized I am younger and have a stronger immune system...so I would be able to tolerate tx better. What is your take on my situation?
Thank you for your response! I knew from the beginning I was a slow responder, but I was able to achieve a 3 log drop during my 12 week of tx. So I guess my doctor is hoping before week 24 I should be undetected. I honestly never really questioned her reasoning. The reason why I chose to start standard therapy even though there are new medications coming out soon, was because I just want to get this virus out of my body ASAP. I am willing to try all avenues and not give up fighting to rid myself of this virus. I contracted Hep C from a blood transfusion as a infant, and was only diagnosed in 2007. She also emphasized I am younger and have a stronger immune system...so I would be able to tolerate tx better. What is your take on my situation?
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Heptimax is a two stage test., The first stage uses PCR methodology which uses a lower limit of detection of 50 IU/mL.
If the specimen tests at 50 IU/mL or greater, it reports using PCR.
If the specimen result is lower than 50 IU/mL, then the test ‘reflexes’ to TMA methodology, which can quantify to 5 IU/mL.
If you received a pending notice, it’s likely your result was below the quantification threshold of the PCR test, and they are forwarding for more sensitive assay.
I can’t help but wonder what the reasoning is for continuing with treatment if you are in week 22 and remain detectable? What’s the doctor’s position?
Good luck- and welcome to the discussion group-
-Bill