Hep C Discussion Forum

I have been concerned because we do not have access to the more sensitive VL tests in Australia. In the US, many people use Heptimax and other TMA tests, that can quantify down to 5 copies. A recent Pathology Meeting here has reassured me. The test most used here is the COBAS Ampliprep/Cobas Taqman HCV assay, which is a PCR test. I thought the lower limit of Detection was 15 copies. This is not correct, as if the report says TND (Target Not Detected), the sensitivity is almost down to zero. Hepatologists here had been asked whether they wanted the TMA 2 phase test, and they are happy with the current test. For SVR, a sensitivity of <43 is accepted. I'll stop worrying.