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p
PCR
polymerase chain reaction; blood test for detecting HCV RNA which is the actual genetic material of the hepatitis C virus
PEG
polyethylene glycol; this molecule is attached to interferon to allow for higher levels of interferon in the blood and a longer period of presence in the body compared to interferon that does not have the PEG molecule attached
peg-interferon
pegylated interferon; form of interferon that is created by attaching polyethylene glycol to interferon and allows the interferon to remain inside the body longer
Pegasys
trade name for a type of interferon called pegylated interferon alpha 2a made by Roche
Pegetron
trade name for a type of interferon called pegylated interferon alpha 2b made by Schering and sold with ribavirin
pegylated
attached to a molecule of polyethylene glycol
physical
relating to the body
platelet
irregularly shaped disk-like fragment of a larger cell that functions in clotting
prevalence
number of people with a disease at a certain time
primary care provider
medical doctor (MD) with general training who sees a wide variety of patients; also known as a family doctor. Primary care may also be provided by nurse practitioners.
progression
the way a disease develops and becomes more advanced, severe, or worse
protease
enzyme that breaks down proteins, including viral proteins
protease inhibitor
type of antiviral drug that blocks a virus' protease enzyme. This prevents the virus from replicating itself.
protein
any number of compounds that are used to build body structures, or a food source high in those compounds (like meat or meat products).
prothrombin time
test that measures the time it takes for blood to clot
pruritis
severe itching
psoriasis
common chronic, inflammatory skin disease characterized by scaly patches
psychological
relating to the mind
pyrex pipes
glass stems used to smoke crack by packing one end with brass screens to hold the crack and inhaling the smoke from the other end; pyrex is generally safer than other materials like copper pipes, inhalers, or pop cans