Hi Lesley, i really wish i had a better understanding of this so i could help you with it. What a horrible situation to be in.
I have been looking online and it seems that UND can sometimes depend on what test they use. If they used the one that couldn't detect <43 iu/ml then you'd be considered as undetected with any count under 43. But, they are obviously using a more precise rna test that detects lower levels of virus. Apparently they have some tests that can detect as low as 5iu/ml, which would make your 15iu/ml, detected.
I am not sure whether this helps any or not Lesley and i hope you get a proper explanation soon of how it actually translates.
Sorry that you are being left unclear like this.
Hugs
Heather xxx
This test u speak of <43 will detect 7 copies - 69,000,000 and up this is the roche Cobas ampliprep/taqman Just Fyi.
Most Drs use this test.
jrc209 said
Feb 9, 2012
borowif wrote:
Hi all
Thanks to everyone who has tried to help clarify my situation.
Have spoken to my nurse at last. She seems to think the tx hasnt worked & I wouldnt be able to have treatment again.
However she is arranging for me to have more bloods done sooner rather than later which will save the issue dragging on for so long.
The results in uk take about 4 weeks to come through so shall let you know then. I do know that the previous results showed less than 15 units per ml. Whatever that means???????????
Take care everybody best wishes luv'n hugs
Lesley xxxxxxxxxxx
If you are below <15 copies 6 months after tx you are in the clear,The virus would replicate much faster than that if it was active your VL would be in the thousands.Other websites for hcv have nurse practioners you can ask questions to and this has been addressed more than once. I can give you links if need be.
jrc209 said
Feb 8, 2012
Notice the range of detection? anything above7 and below 43 copiies would read <43.
-- Edited by jrc209 on Thursday 9th of February 2012 01:14:24 AM
Minerva said
Feb 8, 2012
Hi Lesley, i really wish i had a better understanding of this so i could help you with it. What a horrible situation to be in.
I have been looking online and it seems that UND can sometimes depend on what test they use. If they used the one that couldn't detect <43 iu/ml then you'd be considered as undetected with any count under 43. But, they are obviously using a more precise rna test that detects lower levels of virus. Apparently they have some tests that can detect as low as 5iu/ml, which would make your 15iu/ml, detected.
I am not sure whether this helps any or not Lesley and i hope you get a proper explanation soon of how it actually translates.
Sorry that you are being left unclear like this.
Hugs
Heather xxx
Cinnamon Girl said
Feb 8, 2012
Hi Lesley, I`m so sorry to hear this. You must be even more confused now - first you`re told to `consider it gone` and not to worry about it, and now you`ve been told this. It`s really dreadful that they are treating you so badly, it`s just not good enough at all.
Hang on in there, at least you`re having more tests done sooner rather than later, and let`s hope you hear something conclusive when those results come through. Hope you don`t have to wait too long either this time.
Keep you chin up girl, we`ve all got everything crossed for you!
Hugs, Jill xxx
borowif said
Feb 8, 2012
Hi all
Thanks to everyone who has tried to help clarify my situation.
Have spoken to my nurse at last. She seems to think the tx hasnt worked & I wouldnt be able to have treatment again.
However she is arranging for me to have more bloods done sooner rather than later which will save the issue dragging on for so long.
The results in uk take about 4 weeks to come through so shall let you know then. I do know that the previous results showed less than 15 units per ml. Whatever that means???????????
Take care everybody best wishes luv'n hugs
Lesley xxxxxxxxxxx
jrc209 said
Feb 8, 2012
Highly unlikely.
kr said
Feb 7, 2012
I just switched from LabCorp to Quest because my insurance changed. Don't know specifics but 9 week labcorp was 25 and 13 week Quest was 19 (a difference of only 6 but still detectable). Something tells me that the Quest test is much more sensitive but based on the following article, appears as though if you are undetectable on a less sensitive test you will relapse anyway so best to use the sensitive test. I am just hoping the 19 goes to undetectable in the next 7 weeks http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21447866
Phil G said
Feb 7, 2012
I apologize for hijacking this thread, but I was surprised to see a difference between the tests run by Labcorp and Quest. I was just about to change from Labcorp to Quest for insurance reasons. I got an undetected at 8 weeks with Labcorp, and I think it would really gum up the works if Quest gets something different at Week 12.
Any thoughts?
Minerva said
Feb 6, 2012
Hi Lesley, sorry to hear you are being left without clarity with this. I'm inclined to agree with Steff that it could be such a low amount, that it is classed as und.
I absolutely hope this is the case and that you get an explanation soon.
Hugs
Heather xxx
greenqueen said
Feb 6, 2012
Hi Lesley,
One of our members, krowdog, kindly sent me some info on PCR tests.
Source: medhelp.org.
Contrary to what some NPs and even GIs think, Labcorp QuantaSure is NOT the same test as Quest Diagnostics Heptimax.
QuantaSure is a 1 step PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test using Roche's TaqMan. Assay range: 10 - 100,000,000 IU/mL.
On the other hand, Heptimax (CPT Code: 87522) is a 2 STEP test. Step 1: Roche's TaqMan PCR test. Step 2: If the HCV RNA level is below 50 IU/mL, then the sample is ASSAYED AGAIN using the TMA (transcription mediated amplification) Bayer Diagnostics method. Assay range: 5 - 50,000,000 IU/mL.
Although Labcorp and Quest claim comparable sensitivity for their HCV RNA tests, several studies showed that significant percentage of PCR negative patients turn out to be TMA positive. One recent study found that 12.5%(!) of patients who showed clear by PCR at end of treatment had detectible virus when measured by TMA. Naturally, nearly every one of those with detectible virus by TMA relapsed when treatment was withdrawn.
http://www.natap.org/2005/HCV/122805_04.htm "How Should TMA Be Used" - Martina Gerottoa et al.; Journal of Hepatology. Jan 2006
http://www.hivandhepatitis.com/2006roberts/hcv/081106_c.html "HCV RNA detection by TMA" - Morishima et al.; Hepatology 44(2):360-367. August 2006
Love Steff xx
-- Edited by greenqueen on Monday 6th of February 2012 02:37:30 PM
krowdog said
Feb 6, 2012
Here in US, the doctors send the blood to a lab, and get back a report.
I usually get my info directly from the lab, it's quicker. If you know the lab it goes to, maybe you can get your report directly from them.
Good luck,
Brad
Suzanneaz said
Feb 6, 2012
Im sorry your having these problems. I get copies of my blood work each visit from the past visit. Maybe go into the office and request a copy of it from the nurse. Best wishes to you hun.
Greg said
Feb 6, 2012
Hi Lesley, So sorry to hear about the way you have been treated, thinking of you and I'd be looking for another Doc. I'm sure all is okay. Big Hugs, Greg xxx
Iris Dragonfly said
Feb 5, 2012
Hi Lesley, Hope they get it figured out for you, how very frustrating...and scary. I'm wishing you the best...
ps. you look great there in front of the fire! Blessings, Iris
borowif said
Feb 4, 2012
Hi there folks,
As some of you may already know Ive had a lot of time wasted trying to find my 6 month blood results post tx.Because I heard nothing, I thought no news is good news.
However, after my app. earlier this week with a specialist I had never met before ( I was in & out in approx 2 mins) I was informed that there was still a small amount of the virus showing in my blood, but to consider it gone.
I tried to ask questions but was told not to think about it. (easier said than done)
So here I am, in a state of bewilderment once more.
I was just wondering if any of our good folks here have any experience of this happening? Dont know what to think.
I will be having my bloods done again in 3 monthe & see this stranger again in 6.
Best wishes & hugs to you all
Lesley x
greenqueen said
Feb 4, 2012
Hi Lesley,
I think I can offer an explanation for this , given what this consultant has said - apart from your medical care being disgraceful and dismissive!
Because the tests vary in sensitivity, you could still have a small amount of virus in your blood and still be in the "undetectable " range. You need to insist on a copy of the tests results and find out which test was used. I've posted a list of the tests below and a link to more explanation.
There are currently three tests commonly used for HCV viral load testing:
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) — PCR tests detect HCV RNA in the blood, which indicates current active infection. This type of quantitative PCR test is very sensitive, and can measure as few as 5-10 IU/mL.
Branched-chain DNA (bDNA) — The bDNA method quantitative viral load testing is easier (and cheaper) to use for a large number of samples, but only measures viral loads greater than 615 IU/mL. This means that if a person has a viral load below 615 IU/mL, HCV could be present in the blood but not be detected by the test. However, the test will detect higher viral load ranges so it is useful when beginning HCV therapy.
Transcription-mediated amplification (TMA) — TMA technology allows for the amplification and detection of nucleic acids (components of genetic material) in the blood. This test can measure as few as 5-10 IU/mL. This newer test appears easier and cheaper to use, streamlining test processing and producing consistent, reliable, and more rapid results.
This test u speak of <43 will detect 7 copies - 69,000,000 and up this is the roche Cobas ampliprep/taqman Just Fyi.
Most Drs use this test.
If you are below <15 copies 6 months after tx you are in the clear,The virus would replicate much faster than that if it was active your VL would be in the thousands.Other websites for hcv have nurse practioners you can ask questions to and this has been addressed more than once. I can give you links if need be.
Notice the range of detection? anything above7 and below 43 copiies would read <43.
-- Edited by jrc209 on Thursday 9th of February 2012 01:14:24 AM
Hi Lesley, i really wish i had a better understanding of this so i could help you with it. What a horrible situation to be in.
I have been looking online and it seems that UND can sometimes depend on what test they use. If they used the one that couldn't detect <43 iu/ml then you'd be considered as undetected with any count under 43. But, they are obviously using a more precise rna test that detects lower levels of virus. Apparently they have some tests that can detect as low as 5iu/ml, which would make your 15iu/ml, detected.
I am not sure whether this helps any or not Lesley and i hope you get a proper explanation soon of how it actually translates.
Sorry that you are being left unclear like this.
Hugs
Heather xxx
Hi Lesley, I`m so sorry to hear this. You must be even more confused now - first you`re told to `consider it gone` and not to worry about it, and now you`ve been told this. It`s really dreadful that they are treating you so badly, it`s just not good enough at all.
Hang on in there, at least you`re having more tests done sooner rather than later, and let`s hope you hear something conclusive when those results come through. Hope you don`t have to wait too long either this time.
Keep you chin up girl, we`ve all got everything crossed for you!
Hugs, Jill xxx
Hi all
Thanks to everyone who has tried to help clarify my situation.
Have spoken to my nurse at last. She seems to think the tx hasnt worked & I wouldnt be able to have treatment again.
However she is arranging for me to have more bloods done sooner rather than later which will save the issue dragging on for so long.
The results in uk take about 4 weeks to come through so shall let you know then. I do know that the previous results showed less than 15 units per ml. Whatever that means???????????
Take care everybody best wishes luv'n hugs
Lesley xxxxxxxxxxx
Highly unlikely.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21447866
I apologize for hijacking this thread, but I was surprised to see a difference between the tests run by Labcorp and Quest. I was just about to change from Labcorp to Quest for insurance reasons. I got an undetected at 8 weeks with Labcorp, and I think it would really gum up the works if Quest gets something different at Week 12.
Any thoughts?
Hi Lesley, sorry to hear you are being left without clarity with this. I'm inclined to agree with Steff that it could be such a low amount, that it is classed as und.
I absolutely hope this is the case and that you get an explanation soon.
Hugs
Heather xxx
One of our members, krowdog, kindly sent me some info on PCR tests.
Source: medhelp.org.
Love Steff xx
-- Edited by greenqueen on Monday 6th of February 2012 02:37:30 PM
Here in US, the doctors send the blood to a lab, and get back a report.
I usually get my info directly from the lab, it's quicker. If you know the lab it goes to, maybe you can get your report directly from them.
Good luck,
Brad
Im sorry your having these problems. I get copies of my blood work each visit from the past visit. Maybe go into the office and request a copy of it from the nurse. Best wishes to you hun.
So sorry to hear about the way you have been treated, thinking of you and I'd be looking for another Doc. I'm sure all is okay.
Big Hugs,
Greg
xxx
Hi Lesley, Hope they get it figured out for you, how very frustrating...and scary. I'm wishing you the best...
ps. you look great there in front of the fire! Blessings, Iris
Hi there folks,
As some of you may already know Ive had a lot of time wasted trying to find my 6 month blood results post tx.Because I heard nothing, I thought no news is good news.
However, after my app. earlier this week with a specialist I had never met before ( I was in & out in approx 2 mins) I was informed that there was still a small amount of the virus showing in my blood, but to consider it gone.
I tried to ask questions but was told not to think about it. (easier said than done)
So here I am, in a state of bewilderment once more.
I was just wondering if any of our good folks here have any experience of this happening? Dont know what to think.
I will be having my bloods done again in 3 monthe & see this stranger again in 6.
Best wishes & hugs to you all
Lesley x
I think I can offer an explanation for this , given what this consultant has said - apart from your medical care being disgraceful and dismissive!
Because the tests vary in sensitivity, you could still have a small amount of virus in your blood and still be in the "undetectable " range. You need to insist on a copy of the tests results and find out which test was used. I've posted a list of the tests below and a link to more explanation.
http://www.hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/factsheets_pdf/viralload.pdf
It's bad enough that you had to wait so long for the results and then not being given a proper explanation!
Think you're going to have to be very insistent with his.
Love Steff xx
-- Edited by greenqueen on Sunday 5th of February 2012 07:14:26 PM