Blood Tests?

[Layla123]

As most know I was recently diagnosed with HCV. I was infected approx. 10 weeks ago. So today I go for my blood test and ask the person taking the blood, did the doctor ask for a complete blood panel and other tests? He informed me "no, your doctor has requested the HCV RNA and liver enzyme panel....So for those of you who have been tested early I have a few questions...

1) what is the normal frequency to have blood tested? my doc has me going every two weeks

2) is it normal to test for HCV RNA every time? what information is the doc getting from that test?

3) would it make sense to test for antibodies?

4) Should my doc be doing a CBC to watch how my RBC and WBC are behaving?

Should I recommend any additional blood screening to doc?

THANKS!!!!!!

[lporterrn]

Although I am not someone who was tested early, I feel comfortable answering your questions based on my clinical experience.

Your doctor may have his/her reasons for checking you frequently, but in general, the most efficient procedure would be to wait for 6 months and see if you test positive for HCV RNA. That test does not need to be done every 2 weeks. Checking liver enzymes frequently seems prudent, on the very rare chance that something more serious occurs.

No sense to check antibodies or CBC (unless doc suspects a different medical condition than HCV)

[Lynn K]

As far as testing your viral load every 2 weeks I am totally guessing but maybe he is wanting to know as soon as possible if you are clear of the virus but as Lucinda said not much point until 6 months post it would either be not detected or if still detected at that time then you will need treatment to be cured.

I only had a viral load before I treated then at 4 weeks on treatment at the end of treatment, 4 weeks and 12 weeks after I completed treatment. Then for my own peace of mind at 6 months post and 1 year post but that was only because of my prior history.

Hang in there you will have answers soon but it will take a while.

[Layla123]

Thank you both! My appt is Monday so i will have answers then...I have put together a draft with many questions! Seems I am unique in having been diagnosed within 4-6 weeks of being infected. I guess thats a positive way of looking at it! Hopefully it will encourage more people to donate blood! Those who can 

[Lynn K]

I was diagnosed after a blood donation too. Sucks we can't donate blood anymore. I had donated several times before that donation but this was my first donation after they had come up with the antibody test.

I guess I may have saved a few lives before but also unknowingly given them hep c.

I probably had hep c for 12 years before the antibody test was invented.

So yes I guess you are in something of a unique situation but lucky that it was caught so very early.