Question on Hep C & Hep B Window Period

[wonder2345]

Hi All:
First I'd like to thank everyone for their support.  I had my test and just need some guidance, I am so stressed out with this and am trying to get a grip.  Here goes....

16 weeks and 4 days after exposure, I had the following tests done:

HCV Ab w/Rflx to RIBA
HCV Ab - Negative

HBsAG Screen - Negative

1st generation test done on HepC.  

My question is are these results conclusive or should I test at the six month mark?

[Jakied]

one q, what was your exposure?

hep B is a classic std and is easily tranmittd by sexual activity.  Hep C is not a Std and is usually transmitted by blood transfusion or drug use.

sexual transmission is possible but not very likely and is usually male to female not female to male.

your 115 day neg for hep b and c puts you in VERY safe territory.  you are probably 99% safe.

If i were you, i would get a FINAL 6 month test, only for peace of mind.

i would be very surprised if that was pos.

[wonder2345]

I am a woman and had unprotected sex with a man.  The above tests that were done on me were supposedly the best.  The Hep B searched for the antigen and the Hep C searched for the antibodies/1st generation test.  The lab said that the Hep B was conclusive after 3 weeks from exposure and the Hep C after 6 weeks.  But from all the feedback I'm getting from the folks on these forums, it seems that this is not the case.  So I'm pretty scared and I hope I can make it until August without losing my mind. Thanks!

[CockSparrow]

Almost everbody develops AntiBodies by week 12 unless you are immune compromised, i.e. have HIV.
If your only risk factor is unprotected sex and you are AB negative at 16 weeks stop worrying you dont have HepC.
CS

[wonder2345]

Thank you so much!!!

[Jakied]

your chances of hep c are, thankfully, VERY small.  Sexual transmission is very rare.

Your three week neg test for hep b is very encouraging.

In all honesty, i would not be overly concerned.  you have a neg test and most people test pos on the first test.

One thing you could do right now is ask the man to be tested.  If he is neg, then you have NO worries.  If he is pos, i believe you have dodged the hep bullet, this time.  But don't play with fire.

In all probability, the man is also neg.

There is a vaccine available for hep b but, unfortunately, no vaccine for hep c exists, yet.

And may never.  Hep c is tricky little bugger.

[wonder2345]

I am going to speak to the person I had relations with regarding his test.  He did go for an std panel after we relations.  However, he was very vague with the tests that were done on him.  So I'm going to approach him on this.  By the way, the Hep B & C tests were done at 16 weeks, if that makes any difference.  Thanks.

[Jakied]

yes, I know that now.  Fyi, antibody tests are always more effective as the number of days increases.

Your 115 day neg for hep b and c puts you in very safe territory.  you are in the great situation where you can have your partner tested.  if he is neg as of now, then you have NO worries at all.  If he is pos, which i doubt, you still have your 115 day neg to give you a lot of assurance.  Don't stress out so much over this.  i am 99% you are neg.  But don't play with fire any more.

[wonder2345]

Thank you.