HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Need help with interpretation on Viral Load

Support Forums
>
Hepatitis
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
12
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 6/1/2011 9:43 PM (GMT 0)
I was in a hurry to get home and get on this forum. Thank God I have a voice of reason and vast knowledge coming from all of you. I went by my primary care physician to pick up the lab results from my HCV test and viral load test. I looked at it, and asked what the number meant. They didn't have a clue but surmised it was low. Below I am listing what was on the test and maybe one of you can help me out here: I will be seeing Gastro Dr next Monday. I appreciate any and all input:

This was done at Quest Diagnostics in Naples Fl

Test Name
Hepatitis C Antibody
Supplemental testing
HCV AB, RIBA is positive
Band Pattern 5-1-1 (p)/c100(p) is reactive
Band Pattern c33c is reactive
Band Pattern c22p is reactive
Band Pattern ns5 is reactive
hsod is NON reactive

Reactivity to at least two HCV antigen bands which are encoded by
different parts of the HCV genome are POSITIVE

I think this is the viral load:
HCV RNA, QUANTITATIVE
REAL TIME PCR
<43 IU/ml

HCV RNA QUANTITIATIVE
REAL TIME PCR
<1.63
This test was performed using the COBAS (R) Ampliprep/COBAS (R) TaqMan (R) HCV Test Kit (Roche Molecular Systmes, Inc.,).

A penny for your thoughts and input
Hugs
Mitzi
Posted 6/1/2011 9:51 PM (GMT 0)

Those are pretty much a mystery to me, Mitzi.  They tell me my viral load in thousands (last one was 68,000.)  I know people who are in the millions.  So I wouldn't know how to interpret the results.  Maybe Dany or someone else can.

Hugs,

Connie

Posted 6/2/2011 12:25 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Connie. I am hoping someone that knows will post on this thread. The way I am reading it is that I am less than 43, which is considered undetectable. does anyone have any input on this. I am sitting here with bated breath.
Mitzi
Posted 6/2/2011 12:37 AM (GMT 0)
HCV RNA, QUANTITATIVE
REAL TIME PCR
<43 IU/ml

HCV RNA QUANTITIATIVE
REAL TIME PCR
<1.63

These are just the reference ranges for the test. Are there any other numbers on the results? anything that says log?

Posted 6/2/2011 12:41 AM (GMT 0)
Yes, it says <1.63 Log IU/ml any thoughts?
Mitzi
Posted 6/2/2011 5:18 AM (GMT 0)
are there numbers in front of the <1.63 log IU/ml. it could be like 5.6 or something.....or any numbers after where it says HCV RNA Quantitative?

It may be the case that you only have hep C antibodies.

Have you had a Qualitative PCR? this is the one that either tells you if you are detected or not detected.
Posted 6/2/2011 1:21 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Hepmom,
I just called the lab and they would not discuss the results with me....said I would have to ask my doctor. I am livid. I should not have to pay for a doctors visit just to know the results of my labwork. I cannot format the results on this page because it jumbles it all up once I submit. I will post the results with left alignment.

TEST NAME
HCV RNA, QUANTITATIVE
REAL TIME PCR
(IN RANGE)
<43
The OUT OF RANGE has nothing in it
REFERENCE RANGE
<43 IU/ml

HCV RNA, QUANTITATIVE
REAL TIME PCR
IN RANGE
<1.63
The OUT OF RANGE has nothing in it
REFERENCE RANGE
<1.63 Log IU/ml

If you look in the 6th post above, I posted the results that indicate I am Positive for HCV AB, RIBA. This blood work was done by Quest Diagnostics and the test was performed using the COBAS (R) AmpliPrep/COBAS (R) TaqMan (R) HCV Test Kit (Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.).

What I am reading is that I am less than 43 IU/ml. The nurse did tell me that I am not 43 but less than. Go figure. The last viral load I had done about 4 years ago resulted in 30 IU/ml for viral load. Any input would be much appreciated. Because there are several different lab interpretations I am stumped. Thanks for responding.
Hugs
Posted 6/2/2011 6:48 PM (GMT 0)

Mitzi, that is standard policy with labs...even with sonographers and MRI techs.  They will not tell you anything as they are not doctors.  The doctor is needed to interpret the labs and a radiologist to interpret the pictures.  I know it's frustrating, but the same is true here.  We really are not supposed to give medical advice.  However, since this is a result you want to verify, it's a little different.  If HepMom knows how to interpret them, I'm fine with that.  Since I can't, I didn't want to "guess" at it, then have that be wrong.  If you have to wait to see the doctor for your results, so be it.  Sometimes they will discuss the results with you on the phone, but usually want you to come in.  You will find out soon what the results are, so don't stress yourself out over it.

Hugs,

Connie


Posted 6/2/2011 8:37 PM (GMT 0)
The RIBA test is positive for antibodies. CHECK THIS WITH YOUR DOCTOR but if you are under <43 it means you have no viral load so you most likely cleared your hep c when you where in the acute stage of infection. Ask your doctor for a qualitative pcr. It tests just for the presence of active hep c. Good luck at the doctors and I hope the results mean that you do not have to worry about hep c anymore.

Even if you have cleared the virus tests will always show that you have hep c antibodies.

Your gastro will be able to tell you 100% what is going on. Good luck:)

Post Edited (hepmom) : 6/2/2011 2:56:55 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 6/2/2011 10:42 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks HepMom!! I think this may be the case as far as the Hep C goes. However, the elevated LFT's and the decreased platelets are telling me something is wrong somewhere. I don't think platelets decrease with gall bladder problems. My platelets have steadily decreased in the past ten years, going from 303 to 133. From what I have read you can have a low viral load and still have fibrosis or cirrhosis. I have never been a drinker. I'm not sure if opiates can cause cirrhosis. Can't seem to find the answer to that question. I know I will ultimately have to wait until I see the Gastro Specialist next Thursday. Another bit of news: When I went to Social Services, she said that Gastro takes care of liver problems, they don't even list a hepatologist for liver problems. I am trying to get prepared for my dr's visit next week and have my records in order. Thanks for giving me an answer. I feel like I am reading the results right, just needed a sounding board and input.

If anyone else has something to add, It would be appreciated. I am so thankful for this forum. every day I learn something new. I have always tried to be well informed with my medical issues. Because of what I have been through, I have a low trust level where doctors are concerned. Where I am concerned, my trust in someone had to be earned, not just given. By the way, I did the Child Pugh test and it was a Class A 5. I also did the MELD score and it was a 9.

I hope everything is going well for you....

Thanks Connie for the voice of reason and support!!! How's your week going?

Hugs
Mitzi
Posted 6/3/2011 12:08 AM (GMT 0)
Exhausting, Mitzi, but I've missed being here as often. Just FYI, I apparently had hep B and my immune system cleared it. But I have the antibody for hep B, so will always test positive for it. This may also be the case with your hep C. But I agree that something is going on with you. Maybe a GI doc will be fine for you as he can cover other possible GI problems and not just liver related. My MELD was a 6 until the cancer showed up...so they pushed it to a 22 automatically. However, an 8 is still low. You are doing the right things. Keep advocating for yourself and an answer will be found.

Hugs,
Connie
Posted 6/3/2011 12:55 AM (GMT 0)
Connie, just FYI, if you have not had Hep B vaccines, your transplant team may possibly require you to get them. Hubby had to get vaccinated (series of 3 shots over a period of time) once he was listed.

Hope your week is goin well

Mer
Posted 6/3/2011 1:25 AM (GMT 0)
My meld is a 6....
Posted 6/3/2011 2:06 AM (GMT 0)

Mer, they want me vacinated against hep A, herpes zoster, and pneumonia.  He didn't mention hep B.  However, on the order sheet he gave me, he checked hep B...but then it looks like he crossed it out.  So who knows.  Guess I'll find out next week.  Before the transplant evaluation, about 6 mos. ago, I was tested for hep B and C reinfection and HIV, due to a Mayo employee (now in jail) who had unknowingly passed the hep C virus on to others.  I was told there was no reinfection and I tested negative for HIV.

Hugs,

Connie

Posted 6/3/2011 3:08 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for all the input. HepMom, what does IL28B - CT, mean? Just curious.

Connie, I read all about the employee diverting drugs at Mayo Clinic. It took three years for them to figure it all out. I'm glad you were okay. I got the Hep A & B vaccine five years ago. I understand the vaccine is good for life. In 1998, I tested positive for HepB and Hep C antibodies. It seems like I remember information about pre transplant, you had to get Herpes zoster, pneumonia, Tb, and Hep A & B vaccines. But if you already have antibodies, maybe that is why he crossed it off. Yes, I will be relieved to see the Dr. next week. Just knowing what I am up against will provide resolution. I'm wondering if I AM undetectable, can the viral load increase at any given time? Food for Thought?
Hugs
Mitzi
Posted 6/3/2011 3:27 AM (GMT 0)
Connie....yes, hubby has to have the pneumonia vaccine every 3 years as well....better to do that than not, is what I say.

I would double check on that Hep B vaccine, just to make sure


Mer
Posted 6/13/2011 4:56 PM (GMT 0)
The Cobas test you all apparently have take should have "In Range" and "Out of Range" on it, where the first to the far right has <43 IU/ml, and the second to the far right has <1.63 Log IU/mL.

If there is nothing in the "Out or Range" then I would look above at the 3 other Tests ran to see if those are showing numbers "In Range", which they probably do.

But to be honest with you all, this test is not one you should be overly worried about and Ill tell you why ok.  2 1/2 years ago I was diagnosis with Hep-C (1a).  At that time my quantative result showed me at 26 million (not a good number at all), and my second number was at 7.88 (also not a good number).  Since that time I've been alcohol free and have gone back and forth to taking maximum milk-thistle and watching my diet, and I mean watching your diet, get rid of the fat and trans/fat or reduce to very low numbers.  My latest numbers are 1.2 million and 6.21, yet I've not done TX or even tried it.  Fighting poison with poison is not my solution.  But to each his own, if you TX then I will pray for you, if you do not, then be wise as to how you take care of yourself.

The tests you need to be doing are your Serum/Alt (liver function), Biop, and ultra-sound.  The PCR test to me is what gets a folder opened for you by the CBC, and trust me if you had numbers in "Out of Range" your on the list for life, even if you become SVR.

If you want to take Hep-C to the grave instead of having it take you to the grave, then start making wise choices in your life, you can't beat it entirely, but you can surely give yourself the opportunity to fight back.  I'm 62 years old, and I've had this dragon for over 40 years now, thanks to my buddies from the Navy who inoculated me for numerous diseases with an air gun, and never thought to clean it as we paraded by the numbers getting hit in the right arm and the the left arm several times.

I play golf 2-3 times a week, I wake board as often as possible, I sleep pretty decently, I eat as proerly as I can, and I drink tons of fresh juice and water.  I also do not take any form of NSAIDS or any other medication that has adverse effects on my liver.

Its a brave thing that you have joined this forum and are trying to befriend people in similiar circumstanes to your own, the Gov states 3.2 million have Hep-C, sorry try more like 50 Million, and this BS about it be transfered by using illegal drugs via hypo is garbage, even though there is a percentage in that 50 Million that did get it that way.  But this is a blood borne disease, and yes you can get it and give it by having sex.

Be well and god bless you all on your journey.

Wake~Runner 

Posted 6/13/2011 11:17 PM (GMT 0)

Wakerunner, welcome to the forum.  Yes, it's very important to eat a healthful diet and abstain from drinking.  I'm told that's why I've done as well as I have until now.  But contracting hep C from shared needles is very common.  I got mine that way in the late 60s.  There are also a good percentage of people who contracted Hep C via transfusions prior to there being screenings for it.  However, it is very, very rare to contract it sexually.  Not impossible, but extremely rare.  If one has sex with a woman who is having her period at the time would be one way.  Snorting drugs and sharing straws is another way.

And while it's a good idea to live in a healthful manner, chronic active Hep C SHOULD be treated, if possible.  Otherwise, it will continue to attack the liver causing cirrhosis and putting one at risk for liver cancer.  I should know--I have both (and liver cancer for the 2nd time.)  You have been lucky--as was I for a good number of years after diagnosis in '93--but it will likely catch up with you at some point.

If you want to check the veracity of my statements, go to this site for additional info:

http://www.hepatitis-central.com/

Also, if you want to continue participating in this forum, I suggest you start your own thread (hit New Topic instead of Reply) and introduce yourself to the other members.

Hugs,

Connie

Posted 6/13/2011 11:19 PM (GMT 0)

Mer, I got the vaccines for hep A, zoster, and pneumonia, but not hep B.  I also was tested for TB and it was negative.  I have most everything behind me now except for a kidney function test and a Pap and mammogram.

Hugs,

Connie

Posted 6/13/2011 11:50 PM (GMT 0)
Connie, way to go on your vaccines!! You are almost there. Why didn't they give you vaccine for Hep B? Just curious. I have antibodies for both Hep B and Hep C. I did not know I contracted Hep B, I never had any symptoms. I got the vaccine for both A and B several years ago and was told it was good for life. Can I get a confirmation on this? Just wondering if I was given the correct information.
Hugs
Mitzi
Posted 6/13/2011 11:56 PM (GMT 0)

Same here.  I had hep B (I'm guessing around the same time I contracted hep C.)  I never knew I had it.  My immune system kicked it out, so I have the antibody for it and didn't need the immunization series.  The hep A is a 2-parter.  I have to get the next one in Dec.  By then, I may have a new liver.  I believe that the hep B is good for life, but not sure about the A.  One thing they didn't think of was tetanus vaccine.  A booster should be given every 10 years and it's been nearly 11 since I last had it.

Hugs,

Connie

Posted 6/14/2011 2:56 AM (GMT 0)
Hey, Connie,

Yes, the vaccine is lifelong. I have antibodies for the Hep B and I guess the Hep A if having the vaccine gives you antibodies. I had three series, six months apart: Jan/2001; July/2001; and Dec/2001. Come to think of it, I probably need the Tetanus Booster, I know it has been longer than 10 years.

I don't remember who, but someone said on one of the posts something about Occult Hep C. I pulled it up but did not grasp the general idea. I am trying to figure out what else could be causing my liver enzymes to elevate and platelets to decrease. Here are my choices so far:

Mixed Connective Tissue Disease with high RA Titer, secondary to ruptured implants that have not been removed and have been ruptured since sometime in the 80's(That's another story).
Possible Melanoma on my neck, have to get referral to specialist
Gall Bladder
Spleen
Lung Cancer(always the possibility)
Liver Cancer

Am I paranoid enough? I don't understand, if I am undetectable and have been since the beginning, how can the Hep C virus damage my liver enough to possibly have cirrhosis. I have entertained the thought that the Hep C hasn't done that but all the years I did Dilaudid has given me cirrhosis. A penny for input?
Hugs
Mitzi
Posted 6/14/2011 3:48 AM (GMT 0)

Mitzi, the elevated enzymes can be caused by meds.  But it could also be "occult hep C."  This is a condition that has been found recently.  Read about it here:

http://www.wjgnet.com/1007-9327/12/6922.asp

Scroll down for the part about occult hep C.  But instead of driving yourself nuts, talk to your doctor about it when you see him.

Hugs,

Connie

Posted 6/14/2011 11:47 AM (GMT 0)
Mitzi, the il28b test is a genetic test done to predict treatment success for people with genotype 1 using the combo treatment. There are three results you can get CC, CT and TT. People with the CC gene have the highest chance of clearing hep c on their first treatment, CT is the middle of the road gene ( I have this one and I have a predicted 39% chance of treatment working) and TT is the one which is probably what people have that do not respond at all to treatment.

With the new treatments all gene types stand a better chance so this test is not needed as much for triple therapy. It is also being used in research at the moment for liver transplants. If someone is a TT they would need a very healthy liver as it would be hard for them to clear hep c after transplant.

Here is a link on the transplant research

http://hepatitiscnewdrugs.blogspot.com/2011/05/il28b-cc-or-ct-genotype-have-better.html
Posted 6/14/2011 5:57 PM (GMT 0)
Hepmom, my hepatologist had mentioned that test to me, though it was in regard to the new treatment with a protease inhibitor.  She said that through that genetic testing, which is a subtest of the genotype, one could have a 90%

clearance rate on the new treatment.  I'm a 1a genotype.  In all 24 of the initial vials of blood they took at the beginning of my transplant evaluation, I'm betting that one of them was for this genetic testing.

Hugs,

Connie

✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
12