Aa
Further test needed + chance of transmission
My boyfriend recently tested positive for Hepatitis C antibodies, and then his doctor ordered a "qualitative" test as a follow-up. From my online researching, it appears as if this would be the HCV RNA test, but I don't know for sure. Anyway, results came back yesterday that he was negative on this new qualitative test, which seems like good news. However, what I'm wondering now is, does this definitively mean he doesn't have it (perhaps had the infection but cleared it on his own at some point ...) ? Does he need anymore tests done? I'm asking for opinions here because I went with him to the specialist's appointment and the doctor seemed largely unconcerned (because of low risk factors) and said he was willing to bet he didn't have it (before even doing the qualitative test). I have a feeling the doctor will recommend nothing from this point, based on things said at the appointment a week ago -- that he doesn't have it and we go about our business. Anyway, I'm curious now if this is enough to celebrate, or if he should have another test (RIBA?) done or repeat the qualitative one at some point. Also wondering, if his qualitative test results were negative, could he still transmit the virus to me? Thanks so much for your thoughts/time.
If by "spntaneous recovery" you mean that the individual contracted Hep C and then cleared it on his/her own, then the person no longer has active Hep. C. But the person will always have antibodies to it.
In this scenario, the active Hep C virus is gone, eradicated. The person no longer has Hep C and that person can not pass it on to others, including children
However, spontaneous clearance of an infection will not prevent the person from becoming re-infected with Hep C is the person has blood to blood contact with an individual who is Hep C positive. In other words, If the virus is cleared, then you do not have Hep C anymore. But you are not immune to Hep C and thereforeyou can contract Hep C again by coming into blood to blood contact with a person who has active Hep C.
In this scenario, the active Hep C virus is gone, eradicated. The person no longer has Hep C and that person can not pass it on to others, including children
However, spontaneous clearance of an infection will not prevent the person from becoming re-infected with Hep C is the person has blood to blood contact with an individual who is Hep C positive. In other words, If the virus is cleared, then you do not have Hep C anymore. But you are not immune to Hep C and thereforeyou can contract Hep C again by coming into blood to blood contact with a person who has active Hep C.
Does spontaneous recovery of hepatitis c imply lifelong cure? or is there a chance that the individual could be re-infected or pass on the HCV to children?
Thanks for the comments. He tested positive twice in the antibody test before doing the qualitative one, so I'm guessing that means it was not a false positive, but sounds like what may be the case from what you are saying is that he was exposed at some point but cleared it on his own. I guess I will learn to worry a little less and take whatever advice his doctor recommends, which I'm guessing will be the "he doesn't have it, and carry on and enjoy life" kind. :)
was a false positive(By neg. Riba) or he cleared the virus on his own(By pos. Riba)
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By the sentence I used
I thought that may have been clear to the poster,,however thx. for clarifying....
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By the sentence I used
I thought that may have been clear to the poster,,however thx. for clarifying....
Just clarifying that "RIBA"as you used it is a blood test for antibodies and not short for Ribavirin.
I'm good, wk 28, still chuging along, just like the little engine that could.
@tehe80 sorry for the hijack
@tehe80 sorry for the hijack
Hi.. The neg. PCR means your B/F does not have HCV and nothing further needs to be done or tested for.
He may have had a "false pos. antibodies test" or he may have been exposed to the virus and cleared it by his own immune system (which happens in aprrox. 15 -25% of cases)
No ..he can not transmit virus to you ..he has not got HCV.
He can choose to do the Riba if he likes ..this will tell definitively whether the antibodies was a false positive(By neg. Riba) or he cleared the virus on his own(By pos. Riba)
Or...just carry on and enjoy life..:)
best to you..
Will
He may have had a "false pos. antibodies test" or he may have been exposed to the virus and cleared it by his own immune system (which happens in aprrox. 15 -25% of cases)
No ..he can not transmit virus to you ..he has not got HCV.
He can choose to do the Riba if he likes ..this will tell definitively whether the antibodies was a false positive(By neg. Riba) or he cleared the virus on his own(By pos. Riba)
Or...just carry on and enjoy life..:)
best to you..
Will
The RNA test is all that is needed, he does not have hep c and cannot pass on a virus he doesn't have. No further testing is needed.
Have a great day
Have a great day
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