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Viral load less then 43, what does that mean? Addendum question: shortness of breath?

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Posted 7/5/2014 9:47 AM (GMT 0)
I called to get the results of my viral load and I was told that it was less then 43. I noticed on my last lab <43 was the range as well. Does that mean it has actually decreased from 8695 to <43? And labs do not test for viral loads lower then that?

Post Edited (saltlakecitykitty) : 7/8/2014 12:42:25 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 7/5/2014 10:05 AM (GMT 0)
I believe that that is the lowest amount that is detectable by that lab test. My brother's says that all the time too, no worries.
Posted 7/5/2014 10:11 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks! It's driving me crazy, I keep thinking the lab just gave me the reference range by mistake.
Posted 7/5/2014 1:48 PM (GMT 0)
SLC, the moderators are probably going to inform you that you should make all your posts on your original thread. Otherwise, the forum will become mega cluttered with small threads.

Since you have only been on treatment for less than four weeks, your virus is not cleared yet. Early responders clear at four weeks, most clear at six to eight.

The lowest limit of detection on my test was 15 IU/mL.
When virus detection is less than 15 IU/mL, it will report "HCV RNA detected, less than 15 IU/mL. "
When virus is cleared, the report will be "HCV Not Detected."

Good luck.
Posted 7/5/2014 2:02 PM (GMT 0)
It means that you are undetectable.
Posted 7/5/2014 3:00 PM (GMT 0)
SLC...Dog is right...let's have one post with all your news...

And I agree...there are several Hep C tests...some are sensitive to x or y number. Our center uses the newer test so Mike's says <15 UNDETECTED. At 4 weeks he was < 15 DETECTED, so we were so relived when that sent to undetected. Was there a DETECTED OR UNDETECTED WITH YOUR NUMBER?

Best to you,
Mama Lama
Posted 7/5/2014 5:34 PM (GMT 0)
The less than 43 is the reference range for the sensitivity of the testing equipment used. It is followed by LLOQ ( lower limit of quantification). This is only a count, thus called viral load.

What should concern you is the Llod (lower limit of detection). Detected or not detected . Some drs that don't treat often, get this wrong.
Barry
Posted 7/5/2014 8:30 PM (GMT 0)
My tests used to say <43, now the number is a lower one, can't remember right now. My hepatologist said that anything <43 is undetectable. That doesn't mean you are cured, just the testing can't detect the virus. I have been undetectable for over 30 months. Blood work on Monday. Will find out if I'm still undetectable about a week after that.
Posted 7/7/2014 1:22 AM (GMT 0)
It was my understanding that the PCR test now detects down to <2 copies/mL.

Here's how my 8 week PCR read:

NGI HCV QuantaSure
Hepatitis C Quantitation
Less than 5 Copies/mL. Copies/mL
HCV log10
Unable to calculate result since non-numeric result obtained for component test.
HCV Quant (IU/mL)
Less than 2 IU/mL. IU/mL
HCV IU log10
Unable to calculate result since non-numeric result obtained for component test.
PCR Amplification + Detection
Performed
Test Information
PCR assay performed using National Genetic Institute's validated proprietary methodology. Results grater than or equal to 5 Copies/mL of HCV RNA indicate the presence of virus-specific nucleic acid sequence.
__________________

My doctor's case manager explained that this is LabCorp speak for undectable.

Thanks.

Crap, it's not formatting correctly! Hope it makes sense to you.
Posted 7/7/2014 5:22 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you everyone for your help!
Posted 7/7/2014 11:48 AM (GMT 0)
That's what we are here for Kitty, hope some day you will be posting as a cured cheerleader instead of a sufferer:)

Hugs
Posted 7/8/2014 2:03 AM (GMT 0)
I just got the results printed out it says <43 HCV RNA Not Detected. Hopefully it will stay that way throughout the rest of treatment and forever more :)
Posted 7/8/2014 3:21 AM (GMT 0)
Great news,!!!
Posted 7/8/2014 6:40 AM (GMT 0)
Just out of curiosity has anybody had the side effect of extreme shortness of breath? Sometimes I feel like I can't breath and my throat is so dry its difficult to swallow. I am not sure if it is anxiety related, or if the medicine can actually make it hard to breath at times?
Posted 7/8/2014 3:27 PM (GMT 0)
shortness of breath is a side effect from ribavirin. when you finish tx, your breathing will return to normal.
barry
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