INDETERMINATE result, what does it mean?

I am low risk for hep c by my doctor tested for it due to symptoms over 6 months including:
-nausea, bloating, loose stools
-night sweats, fever
-muscle and joint pain
-fatigue

Test came back as indeterminate.  Can anyone explain what that means exactly?  

[Jakied]

An 'indeterminate' test is one of two things.

1) the screening test was a 'weak' positive, meaning a signal to c/o ratio < 3.

                                                       or

2) the riba confirmatory test was positive on only one of the 5 markers for Hcv

    infection.

Probably, the next step is a Pcr qualitiave test which will check for Hep C virus.

The screening test and riba test check for antibodies to the virus.

Your results put in limbo.  ask for a pcr qualitatvie  test.  this is a VERY sensitive

test which checks for the virus.  

[Bill1954]

Hep C is generally an asymptomatic disease, unless significant liver damage has developed; this usually occurs over decades of infection. Fatigue can be a rather common compliant however.

Do you know which test was performed? An inderminant result will require further testing to confirm active infection; whether the test was EIA or RIBA. Likely, a HCV RNA by PCR test will be performed.

Good luck—

Bill

[IAmTheWalrus]

The HCV RNA test is the final word on diagnosis. My guess is that they will perform that if one of the antibody tests came back equivocal.

Best lusk to you,
Brent

[Jakied]

An 'indeterminate' test is one of two things.

1) the screening test was a 'weak' positive, meaning a signal to c/o ratio < 3.

                                                       or

2) the riba confirmatory test was positive on only one of the 5 markers for Hcv

    infection.

Probably, the next step is a Pcr qualitiave test which will check for Hep C virus.

The screening test and riba test check for antibodies to the virus.

Your results put in limbo.  ask for a pcr qualitatvie  test.  this is a VERY sensitive

test which checks for the virus.  

[wolftrak]

Thanks everyone for your responses.  I did get the PCR test done on Friday and am waiting anxiously for the results this Thursday or Friday.  I am feeling very depressed this week.  I have been sick for soooo long (10 years on and off and recently 7 months that hasn't let up) and have every imaginable test done.  After my gynocologist found a mass on my ovary and waited 5 weeks for an MRI to confirm it was just a cyst and now this, I stressed and it is taking a toll on me.  Only three more days to go and praying results will be negetive.  

[Jakied]

Do you have a risk factor for Hep C?   Nowadays, Sharing works for IVDU is the most

efficient way to transmit hep c.  A Blood transfusion, BEFORE 1991 or so, could result

in transmission of HCV.  Transmission of HCV by a blood transfusion now is almost

impossible.

sexual transmission IS possible but unlikely.  If you don't have a risk factor, your

Pcr test will, in all probablity, be neg.  Keep a positive attitude and hope for the best.

i bet you hear good news later this week.

[wolftrak]

No, I am in the low risk for Hep C, so likely I have nothing to worry about.  Thanks for your advice.  I will keep you posted of my results.

[Jakied]

yes, please do that.  You have MANY friends here.

i am still betting you hear good news today or tomorrow.

[Diane12855]

Your post just got under my skin... and I HAD to respond.

Other sources of HCV infection:
Sharing straws and snorting cocaine and other irritating drugs.
Military people who got inoculated with the air guns they used to use.
Women who got RHogam shots before 1992 for Rh neg. blood after having a baby.
People who went to get colonoscopies in a clinic in Nevada in 2000.
People who got colonoscopies at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL this year.
Untold people who went to clinics that haven't been caught yet.
Also... it isn't just blood transfusions, but anybody who got plasma back then too.
People who use and infected person's personal items such as tooth brushes or razors.

After considering the above facts... I looks to me like almost everybody over 40 is at risk and should get checked.

Diane

[Jakied]

Didn't mean to do that.   your post contains valid means of transmission but, by far,

the most efficient way to transmit Hcv is through sharing the stuff used for IVDU.

[Diane12855]

I understand, but the more people are told about the MANY ways they can catch it... hopefully people won't be so apt to automatically judge people when they find out they are infected.

I'm on a mission........................

Diane

[Jakied]

Understood.  I believe most people with Hcv don't really care HOW they got it.

If other people judge them, i would not worry about that.  They have a problem, IMO.

I was only stating a fact about the most efficient way to transmit Hcv, from a risk level

point of view.