Confusing Hep C test Results

[JonDoh]

I recently had a standard blood test.  Everything was perfect, including liver function, except the test for Hep C came up as "INDETERMINATE".   I had Hep C test retaken.  This time I was positive for Hep C anti bodies and Hep C RIBA, but the Hep C, RNA was not detected. The test also said that the specimen was lipemic.  Is there any chance that the test could be wrong or that I have had Hep C in the past and no longer now?  Thank you.

[Isobella]

It is possible to clear the virus on your on...I believe 20% of people do.  But I could be off on that stat.  If  you did....you'd be considered one of the lucky ones.

http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/hepatitis_c/test.html

Lipemic specimen means there was fat in the blood after they spun it down, making it look cloudy. Ask your doc it this could make a difference in the results.  Maybe to set your mind at ease, have another test after you have been fasting.

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/lipemic

Good luck.

[newleaf09]

They did the RIBA test as a clarification of the regular Hep C antibody test.  If it was positive, you probably had hep c at some point (it's very often symptom-less).  With no RNA though there's no detectable virus in the blood so your immune system likely fought it completely off.  Lucky you!  You might want to repeat tests again just for peace of mind and then get on with your nice, normal, healthy life.

[Jakied]

If your confirmatory Riba test was pos, then you were definitely exposed to hep c at

some point in your past.  Your neg pcr means, probably, your immune system was

able to clear the Hep C virus without treatment.  Not many can do this but you are one

of the lucky ones who did.  If I were you, in a few month or so, ask for another pcr test.

If that one is neg, then you are definitely virus free.  you will probably be antibody pos

for a LONG time, maybe the rest of your life.

[Jakied]

Oh, by the way,  a 'normal' liver function, meaning your alt/ast levels are normal, is a

good thing in your favor.  Anyone with hep C will have elevated alt/ast levels.

May i ask what your ast/alt level is?