HEP C window period

What is the window period for HCV?  When do most people test pos?

Can a Liver Function Test used in combination with a HCV antibody test help to make a diagnosis.  In other words, if both of these were normal at 3 mos post exposure would this be encouraging.  I know there is a PCR RNA test too, but it is expensive.

[debnevada]

i went positive for antibodies at about seven weeks post. but it was a surgical exposure and i was an acute.

[needhonesthelp]

ok thank you, do you know what research states regarding window periods.  I've been struggling to really find conclusive info.  I would assume 3 mos would pick up most people if they were truly infected.  Do you think normal liver enzymes and a neg antibody at 3 mos would be fairly conclusive or is a 6 mo test needed?

[hippygem]

Antibody test

The initial screening test for hepatitis C is a blood test which checks for antibodies. The human body produces antibodies in response to the virus.
The antibody test looks for these specific antibodies, not for the virus itself, to work out if you have been exposed to the hepatitis C virus. It may take up to three months for antibodies to appear in your blood following infection (although it is usually positive by 6 weeks). This is known as the ‘window period’. During this time antibody testing may not provide an accurate result.

A negative antibody test result usually means that a person has not been infected with the virus. However, the blood sample may have been taken in the window period before antibodies can be detected.

A positive antibody test result means antibodies were found, which is proof that the virus must have infected you at some point in time. About 25% of people who develop hepatitis C antibodies in response to infection get rid of (or clear) the virus within 6 months. If people are able to clear the virus, the antibodies remain in the blood for some time, possibly the rest of their life. This means a positive antibody test doesn’t necessarily mean someone has the virus.
A different test, the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test is used to see whether you have the virus in your blood.

One situation when the antibody test is not reliable is in a newborn baby.
Babies born to mothers infected with hepatitis C can have a positive antibody test without actually being infected. This positive ‘maternal antibody’ usually only lasts 12 –18 months, therefore, it is recommended that testing of children should not be done until after this time.

[working dog]

are you sure about the three month window?? i still worry about one of my kids coming down with this virus someday having both parents with hep c..i hope that three month thing is right..i guess it's possible the kids could have had it and cleared it themselves.....billy