What is the baseline viral load?

[roxy209]

This is the place to ask questions. You said dual therapy, are you geno 2?  Was one of the triple therapies considered? These first labs will tell a big story, what was your baseline viral load? -jack

Hi, I am Geno 3.  I had labs done on 11/4/13. My results will be in by Friday.  I will inform you of this. What is the baseline viral load?

[iana5252]

This is from Hepatitis C: The Basics - How is it diagnosed, and what tests are used? http://www.hepmag.com/articles/2512_18753.shtml

HCV Viral Load Testing: To look for HCV, a health care provider can request a qualitative PCR test to determine whether or not the virus is in a person’s bloodstream. A health care provider can also order a quantitative PCR or bDNA test to check for the presence of HCV and to figure out the person’s HCV viral load (the amount of HCV in a measurement of blood).

The HCV viral load is a very important laboratory test. Though the HCV viral load test cannot determine if or when someone with hepatitis C will develop cirrhosis or liver failure, it can help determine how likely it is someone will respond to treatment. As a rule of thumb, the lower the HCV viral load, the better someone’s chances of responding to HCV treatment.

HCV viral load testing is often used during treatment to determine how well therapy is working.

[jberlin]

Yes, the blood test viral count (quantitative) before you start treatment, such that you can see the effect of the drugs over time.  Good luck, and keep us informed! -jack

[roxy209]

I just seen my doctor.... on the 4 week labs it shows that no virus is detected.  He will do another at 12 weeks

[jberlin]

Awesome news! You are on the road to 'curetown', keep taking those meds!  Let us know how you are doing. -jack