Hep C Discussion Forum

Members Login
Username 
 
Password 
    Remember Me  
Chatbox
Please log in to join the chat!
Hep C Discussion Forum -> Post Treatment -> where can i get a confidential hepc viral load test?
Post Info TOPIC: where can i get a confidential hepc viral load test?
ty


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 590
Date:
RE: where can i get a confidential hepc viral load test?
Permalink  
 

Hi dabrain,

     Welcome to the forum from me as well.  I know a little about this topic, because I have too much iron in my blood, as well as having Hep C.  I had to go into a blood donation clinic to have my blood taken until my iron was within the normal limits (five and a half liters, in three months!). 
     This procedure was outside my insurance, free and they do all the testing for a wide variety different things.  Of course my blood is discarded and a special form is used, but I know that they don't inform my insurance provider (not that I would care).  I am not sure if they provide the government with nonspecific statistical information, but I assume they do. 
    You do not need a doctors approval, you can just walk in.  Although, I needed to have a special prescription for so many times, of course.  To protect the blood supply, the first visit is extensive and they run plenty of tests before they can use the blood, but I found everyone to be very helpful and kind.  I asked them how the could take my blood so many times for free, only to discard it and they said they didn't need money!  (I suppose the donated blood that can be sold pays for everything.)  These are private, nonprofit centers that will give you a complete work up on your blood, look in the yellow pages.  Hope this helps, tysmile



__________________

Genotype 2 - 24 week Tx - Start 10-8-2010 - 4 week PCR test UND, 12 week PCR test UND, 24 week PCR UND,  SVR Oct. 11 
James10500


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 938
Date:
Permalink  
 

I thought the Docs were required to report it to the County Health Dept. I've been told this is true. I know I got a call from the local health authorities about two weeks after my anti body test.

I know there are home test kits that you send in a sample. I'm not sure if that is just anti body test though.

Good luck,

James

__________________
Diagnosed 4/13/10; Started Tx 8/13/10; SVR 7/27/11
sunny77


Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 34
Date:
Permalink  
 

Where are you? In the states? I think that all labs need a doctor's order to draw blood, so you can't just walk into a lab without an order. Do you not have a doctor? All your medical information is private in the states with HIPPA laws, so your friends and family can not find out. But of course your insurance company would find out if you paid through them. You could always find a physician, private pay his office visit and then private pay for the lab fee. Or, go to an HIV advocacy group like livestrong and see if they can help you. Good luck!

__________________
BJ


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 926
Date:
Permalink  
 

Gidday dabrain,

Seeing as you are in the US you'll specifically need to talk to a member based there, which I am not.  This is an international forum with members in the US, I'm sure someone will be along soon that is US based, that may be able to offer more specific help.

The reason why I'm writing is that here in Australia, HepC is a reportable disease, which means labs must report any blood test that comes back positive to a vl test, to a Federal registry.  Now I'm sure you'll find a shonky operator somewhere who'll do the test, whether or not it's reliable is the first problem, why you want it kept quiet may be the second. 

If it's because of some illegal threat that you lose your job, that's an offence, if it's just personal, you may find a clinic that is understanding and can help.  I'm not sure of the reportable factor in the US, but if you are positive you need to seek treatment (tx), so you can get rid of the virus.  Have you been treated before, or were you hoping it had gone away naturally via your immune response ?  When did you last test positive ?

You seem to be in a very difficult situation, and as much as this forum has public access it is not private.  I am not here to judge you or make you do anything you don't wish to, you can send any member a private message if you double click on there underlined username, this will take you to their profile.

Good luck in your endeavour, I truly hope it works out for you.

Cheers,

Brendan.



__________________

Geno 1b 72wk tx (Sept '09- Feb '11) Tx sucks, Sx's suck, but no one quits on my watch.   Pre-tx VL - 7.6 Million - Wk 4 - 480,000 - Wk 12 - 19,000....Wks 24, 36, 48 and 72 PCRs were all - negative :-))))Achieved SVR August 2011 

dabrain


Newbie

Status: Offline
Posts: 1
Date:
Permalink  
 

Hi, I am looking for a lab where i can get a viral load test performed.  I have had hep C before so the existence test will always be positive. 

Where can i get the viral count test performed, in confidence?  I am worried about a recurrence and do not want anyone to know it is back.  thank you! 

__________________
Page 1 of 1  sorted by
 
Quick Reply

Please log in to post quick replies.
Hep C Discussion Forum -> Post Treatment -> where can i get a confidential hepc viral load test?
Legal Disclaimer:

THIS FORUM, IT'S OWNERS, ADMINISTRATORS, MODERATORS AND MEMBERS DO NOT AT ANY TIME GIVE MEDICAL ADVICE AND IN ALL CASES REFER ANYONE HERE TO SEEK APPROPRIATE MEDICAL ADVICE FROM THEIR DOCTOR.