Hep B & Hep C Window Period

[wonder2345]

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?

[remix99]

what is a PCR test..??

[CockSparrow]

>The place I had it done said that they use a 1st generation test and that it is conclusive
>6 weeks after exposure.  So by what you said do you mean  that I don't have Hep C
>with my 16 wk. test?

Sorry didnt read that carefully enough. 6 weeks is pushing it. I would suspect it would miss some. At 16 weeks its almost conclusive that you dont have HepC.

Its definite at 6 months.

Hope that clears things up.
and stop worrying
CS

[CockSparrow]

Yeh its unlikely you have HepC. Nearly everyone will have AntiBodies by 16 weeks.
It can take up to 6 months for the AntiBodies to develop in a few though.
If you have another AB test done at 6 months and its negative then almost certainly you dont have HepC.
So if you are still worried get a PCR test.

The Odds are you dont have it.
CS

[wonder2345]

Thank you for your advice.   The place I had it done said that they use a 1st generation test and that it is conclusive 6 weeks after exposure.  So by what you said do you mean  that I don't have Hep C with my 16 wk. test?   Sorry if I seem dumb but I'm am so stressed out that I can't think straight.  So please excuse my ignorance.  Thanks!

[CockSparrow]

If no HCV-Ab by 16 weeks you dont have HepC, as nearly everyone will have them by then.
@12 weeks 90-95% of people infected with HCV will have developed AntiBodies
@6 Months 97% will have developed AntiBodies

Not much you can do about it some people just dont get AntiBodies.
OK these are immuno compromised.

If you are still worried get a PCR test.
CS

[zellyf]

Just the opposite:

Hep C - can't answer that.

Hep B- the test was likely reliable but for added comfort and and certainty do the 6 month test also.  There is an outside chance of infection for up to 6 months.  OUTSIDE.  

As someone with Hep B I will tell you not to sweat it.  On the OUTSIDE chance you're a late reactor you have a greater than 90% chance of clearing the virus and living a long happy life.  Don't lose the next 3 months worrying about it.  Get the vaccine. Cheers!

[wonder2345]

So regarding Hep B, you think that I don't need to test at 6 months?  But on Hep C, you recommend 6 months...I posted this question on the Hep C Forum too.  But on Hep B you think I'm good?  Sorry for being so repetitive just extremely stressed and filled with anxiety.  Pretty much freaking out!  Thank you.

[zellyf]

These results are pretty reliable for Hep B, can't speak to C, but test at the six month mark for an extra dose of certainty.