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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
HBV & HCV (WINDOW PERIOD)
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
HBV & HCV (WINDOW PERIOD)
by CuriousGirl7642, Apr 03, 2007 12:00AM
Hello,
I'm hoping to get a professional medical opinion on the window period is for both HBV & HCV. The reason I ask is this. In September of 06' I was scratched (superficially, without bleeding) by something sticking out of the medical waste bin the surgical office where I work. I was tested for both HBV & HCV using the standard screening techniques (non-RNA) 3-weeks after the incident and again at 10/11-weeks. All my tests were negative. My Dr. said I could come back in 6-month to get re-tested but that it wasn’t really necessary. Do you agree with this? I was under the impression that both HBV & HCV have long incubation periods.
I’m anxious to hear back.
CuriousGirl7642
I'm hoping to get a professional medical opinion on the window period is for both HBV & HCV. The reason I ask is this. In September of 06' I was scratched (superficially, without bleeding) by something sticking out of the medical waste bin the surgical office where I work. I was tested for both HBV & HCV using the standard screening techniques (non-RNA) 3-weeks after the incident and again at 10/11-weeks. All my tests were negative. My Dr. said I could come back in 6-month to get re-tested but that it wasn’t really necessary. Do you agree with this? I was under the impression that both HBV & HCV have long incubation periods.
I’m anxious to hear back.
CuriousGirl7642
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Apr 04, 2007 12:00AM
, Apr 04, 2007 12:00AM
I agree with that assessment. If after 10-11 weeks there is no positive test, it is unlikely that HBV or HCV was transmitted. However, this is not universal, thus the recommendation to be retested after 6 months.
I would also be checked for HIV as well. Liver function tests can also be tested if hepatitis continues to be a concern.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
I would also be checked for HIV as well. Liver function tests can also be tested if hepatitis continues to be a concern.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
Member Comments
by utc201, Mar 04, 2009 02:33AM
A related discussion, Ring Worm was started.
