HCV tests

Around 10 weeks ago I had unprotected sex with my ex-boyfriend. He was tested for HCV and was negative 6 months before we had sex. I just want to check and be sure that I am not infected with possible sexually transmitted diseases. I had my first HCV antibody test today and it is negative but I am not sure how conclusive it is. I heard that HCV-RNA PCR tests give results earlier than the antibody tests. How long should I wait before taking this test so that it may give me conclusive results?
Thanks!

[Jakied]

Hep C is not considered a Std as Hep C and Hiv are.  Sexual transmission of Hep C is

rare and a ten week neg test is VERY encouraging.  The Pcr test is reliable after two

weeks or so but is VERY expensive.  With a ten week neg antibody test, I would rely

on that and take a final 6 month antibody test in 16 weeks.  I am 99% certain you

will remain neg.  At this point, an expensive Pcr test is a waste of time and money.

My opinion.

The best thing you could do right now is ask your ex to be tested.  If he is neg, ten

weeks after you and he had sex, the chance that you are pos, after your 10 week neg

is so small that you can be assured you are neg.  There is a better chance of finding

the neddle in a haystack.

[Marcia2202]

'Hep C is not considered a Std as Hep C and Hiv are.'

Correction

'Hep C is not considered a Std as Hep B and Hiv are.'