Hepatitis C Support Group
Hepatitis C is a blood-borne viral disease which can cause liver inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis and liver cancer. The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is spread by blood-to-blood contact with an infected person's blood. Many people with HCV infection have no symptoms and are unaware of the need to seek treatment. Hepatitis C infects an estimated 150-200 million people worldwide.
Well, after waiting 2 weeks for my VL report, it came back detectable. I don't have a # yet, as somebody screwed up and only drew blood for one part and not two parts for the test to show complete results, ya I'm confused too. The nurse said it was called HCV/TMA. I copied this info from Questlabs....
This quantitative transcription-mediated amplification (TMA)-based assay can be used to measure viral load (concentration of HCV RNA in plasma) at several steps during diagnosis and treatment. Its low limit of quantitation (5 IU/mL) makes this assay suitable for confirming active infection in individuals with reactive HCV antibody enzyme immunoassay (EIA) results. However, if the viral load is greater than the upper limit of quantitation (7,500 IU/mL), an assay with a broader linear range is necessary to establish baseline viral load prior to treatment. Sensitive HCV RNA testing is also useful for infants with suspected maternally transmitted infection; immunocompromised individuals with unexplained liver disease but negative HCV EIA results; and individuals with suspected acute HCV infection.1
After treatment is initiated, sensitive quantitative assays are useful to document rapid virologic response (undetectable HCV RNA at week 4 of treatment), end of treatment response, and SVR (undetectable HCV RNA 24 weeks after end of treatment). Testing with a highly sensitive assay such as quantitative TMA may help detect viremia even when more conventional tests, with detection limits of 50 to 100 IU/mL, are negative.3-5
Because of its narrow linear range, this assay by itself is not suited to establish early virologic response (
This quantitative transcription-mediated amplification (TMA)-based assay can be used to measure viral load (concentration of HCV RNA in plasma) at several steps during diagnosis and treatment. Its low limit of quantitation (5 IU/mL) makes this assay suitable for confirming active infection in individuals with reactive HCV antibody enzyme immunoassay (EIA) results. However, if the viral load is greater than the upper limit of quantitation (7,500 IU/mL), an assay with a broader linear range is necessary to establish baseline viral load prior to treatment. Sensitive HCV RNA testing is also useful for infants with suspected maternally transmitted infection; immunocompromised individuals with unexplained liver disease but negative HCV EIA results; and individuals with suspected acute HCV infection.1
After treatment is initiated, sensitive quantitative assays are useful to document rapid virologic response (undetectable HCV RNA at week 4 of treatment), end of treatment response, and SVR (undetectable HCV RNA 24 weeks after end of treatment). Testing with a highly sensitive assay such as quantitative TMA may help detect viremia even when more conventional tests, with detection limits of 50 to 100 IU/mL, are negative.3-5
Because of its narrow linear range, this assay by itself is not suited to establish early virologic response (
How much of a viral load drop have you attained?
Again sorry. What does this mean for you? Did anyone tell you the plan?
So I will continue at least 4 more weeks till results of 12 week.
appt with Dr. Kwo in January..
Huggggggggs
Mos
Im sorry to read that you're not an early responder, i.e., undetectable at 8 weeks.
So long as your vL is less than 100 IU/mL at 12 weeks, and undetectable at 24 weeks, youll remain in therapy.
However, the Victrelis will be extended to 36 weeks, and then 12 additional weeks of pegINT/Ribavirin are tacked on, resulting in 48 weeks total tx.
The good news is that you still have a reasonable chance of clearing the virus.
I'm so proud of you!
Arty is correct. If you are less than 100 @ wk 8, you continue.
There is a catch, tho... Because you are chirrotic, as well as a prior non responder to SOC tx, even if you were undie @wk 8, your tx would still be 48 wks.
I didn't get a # either on my 4 wk VL other than DET positive less than
43 greater than 7. I'm on Incivek.
I'm hoping to have another chance @ tx someday when they release a gentler therapy.