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Hep c exposure
I made the mistake of trying drugs intravenously once with a friend. We had two needles and each used twice at seperate times in one night. I believe she injected me first both times. I tested almost 18 1/2 weeks post exposure negative for both hep c and Hiv. About two months after my negative test she told me that she tested positive for hep c. She claims she didn't use with anyone else after our incident, which led me to believe she had it prior to me using with her. How conclusive is my 18.5 week negative? I do not have a suppressed immune system or any health issues otherwise.
It doesn't matter how anyone gets Hep c the only thing that matters is finding out and getting treated.
It only takes once. I only tried it 3 times back when I was 19 years old 39 years ago. That was all it took
It only takes once. I only tried it 3 times back when I was 19 years old 39 years ago. That was all it took
2 Comments
I agree 100%. From what I have read, it is extremely rare to take over 3 months to test positive. It was almost 5 months by my test. I know my test would be conclusive at this point but I no longer have insurance to get a full blood test done. From what I have read online, it would take only severely immunosuppressive individuals to take longer on antibody tests. Is this true?
That is true in the presence of HIV it could take up to 6 months to be sure of a conclusive test. I would thin you would only need the antibody test and I think it only costs around $40. If you tested at 5 months and are not immunosuppressed what more testing do you need? What are you calling a full blood test? And anyway hep c is not a medical emergency. If you feel the need to retest just wait until you have insurance but really I think you are fine. But please remember I am not a doctor anr any kind of a medical person. I am a patient who was cured of hep c and just a lay person.
I had never used a needle before, it was one drunken mistake that I deeply regret. Thanks for your answer.
Your test should be good but to make absolutely sure you can retest at 6 months post this incident. The 6 month post test is definitive.
Or you can have a test for the virus itself the HCV RNA by PCR test to check for the hep c virus. That test is more expensive but if it is negative you do not have hep c.
If your friend has only had the antibody test she should have the HCV RNA test as well to confirm if she is currently infected.
Good luck to you both.
If you are using IV drugs please use safely. If possible always use a fresh needle do not share works ever.
Or you can have a test for the virus itself the HCV RNA by PCR test to check for the hep c virus. That test is more expensive but if it is negative you do not have hep c.
If your friend has only had the antibody test she should have the HCV RNA test as well to confirm if she is currently infected.
Good luck to you both.
If you are using IV drugs please use safely. If possible always use a fresh needle do not share works ever.
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