Hep C confustion

[HepConfused55]

I recently received a letter, post blood donation that cited my results as

Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) - Negative
Hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb) - Positive
Hepatitis C Virus antibody (HCVAb) - Positive
HCV RIBA (Confirmatory) - Positive
HCV NAT - Negative

I have searched the web for answers and have become more confused with each article I read.

Can someone please assist with my understanding of these results?

[Bill1954]

According to your initial post, the conclusion of the NAC (Nucleic Acid Test) conducted by the blood bank was negative for HCV RNA. While I agree that you should be followed up by a specialist (GI doc, Hepatologist) for confirmation, this is very encouraging news.

The most likely scenario is that you have been exposed to the virus at one time; but your own immune system was strong enough that you beat the disease. This occurs in approx. 15-40 % of patients. While you will probably carry the antibodies for many years, the active virus is no longer present. This does not confer immunity, and re-infection is possible at a future date. The specialist might want to run an additional NAC test for confirmation 6-12 months from now.

For more research on Hep B and C, review the following articles from the U.S. CDC:

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/b/faqb.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/NCIDOD/DISEASES/HEPATITIS/c/faq.htm#1b1

Additionally, feel free to post any further Hep B questions in the HBV forum; Steven NYer and Zellyf are well informed and should be able to answer your questions regarding Hep B.

http://www.medhelp.org/forums/show/223

From my angle, it looks like you probably dodged the bullet this time :o).

Best,

Bill

[HepConfused55]

Yes, I did post there also, trying to figure out what this all means.  Two different letters with two sets of information.  

My osteopath believes the HTLV was a false positive and told me that I could see a hemotologist, but did not feel it was necessary.

Have not shared the newest letter I received as I was on vacation and just received.  

[Andiamo1]

I see that you also posted that you tested positive for lymphoma.  Perhaps your blood was processed incorrectly.  I will track you posts in other forums to see what else turns up.

[Andiamo1]

PCR stands for Polymerase Chain Reaction: from wiki - a long winded way of saying that it is a test that can count the actual number of virions of HCV per ml of blood.  It is very sensitive and will tell you whether or not you have a chronic disease.


The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a technique widely used in molecular biology. It derives its name from one of its key components, a DNA polymerase used to amplify a piece of DNA by in vitro enzymatic replication. As PCR progresses, the DNA thus generated is itself used as template for replication. This sets in motion a chain reaction in which the DNA template is exponentially amplified. With PCR it is possible to amplify a single or few copies of a piece of DNA across several orders of magnitude, generating millions or more copies of the DNA piece. PCR can be extensively modified to perform a wide array of genetic manipulations.

[HepConfused55]

No, have not had a HEP B vaccine, unless that would be some routine vaccine.  

Thank you for the referral to the forum and will also take a look at Janis and Friends.

I am really glad I found this community!

[meki]

Andiamo is correct.

If your doctor has not already sent you to a Hepatologist or GI --- then you probably should go see one - to get further testing done.

You show antibodies to HEPC --- which means you have been exposed to it.

It looks like you may have had the HEP B vaccine --- am I correct? If not - you've also had exposure to HEP B...

Please talk to your doctor --- and when you have finished doing that please come back and read through this forum - read about 12 pages back or more up to now.

It will take some time --- also Google "Janis and Friends"  --- That website has an incredible amount of information which will start you in your search for what is going on.

Much luck.

Meki

[HepConfused55]

Thank you for the response.  Being new to this, could you tell me about the PCR test and what that is about?

Thanks again!

[Andiamo1]

I believe the b core positive means you once had Hep B.  The fact that the B surface antigen is negative means that your immune system defeated the virus.

The positive Hep C RIBA means that you at least once had Hep C.  You should see a gastroenterologist  and perhaps take  a PCR test that will definitively tell you if you still have an active virus.