How can I have been reinfected with Hep C 12 years after treatment?

[judyharp]

I was successfully treated for Hep C in 2002, and have remained clear by testing until 2011, when I was discharged from the hospital.  Have been feeling unwell, and remarked to my GP that I felt the same way when I had acute Hep C.  He sent off a test and on Monday I was advised that it had come back positive.  How can this be?

[Dee1956]

Pooh has given you the best information.  Most GP's don't understand the difference between the two tests. Mine didn't.  I hope that you are still SVR
Please come back and let us know :)
Take Care
D

[pooh55811]

What test did he run?  

If he ran an HCV antibody test, that test will always be positive. Once you have Hep C, even after it is cured, you will always have a positive Hep C antibody test.

The test you need to have run  is the HCV RNA test to see if you actually have a viral load. If the HCV RNA test is positive, and you do have a viral load, then you have Chronic Hep C and you were most likely reinfected.

Get a copy of your test and see if the test the GP ran was the correct test (HCV RNA).