PCR Technicians in Thailand / positive antibody test and negative RNA test 4 years later

[redtailboas]

I had a positive antibody test 4 years ago. I lived for 4 years thinking I had HEP C and didn't follow up until about 6 months ago. I had an Amplicor qualitative test done and it came back negative. Since it's been 6 months, I'm assuming the next logical step is to have a follow up PCR test combined with an antibody test to see if the first was a false positive or if the PCR test was a false negative. I'm assuming since it's been 4 years there should be enough of the actual virus in my body to show up if I'm positive.

My main source of concern is that I don't fully trust the results even though from most everything I read, Thailand has excellent medical care laboratories (which I assume include their technicians and laboratories). I still can't get it out of my head that I'm out of the US in a poorer country so I automatically distrust the results.

Is the Amplicor qualitative test a difficult one to perform? I'm really more worried about passing the virus to someone else than about myself.  I appreciate your time!

[jboyhk]

15-20% of people can test positive for antibodies but have no viral load count. That means their body has been able to fight off the disease without treatment.

If you tested negative for viral load then I wouldn't worry anymore.

[orphanedhawk]

I was diagnosed in Bangkok and had all my initial labs done there. My heptologist in S.F. was impressed with their lab work. I'd suggest BNH if you are in Bangkok. They have a good G.I. who has experience treating HCV. I think the quality of care at the better hospitals is excellent however HCV is not as widely treated there. It is true, you won't find liver clinics and research facilities as you will in the U.S.  
     Chok di

[niceguy2007]

the best hospital in bangkok by and far is Bumrumgrad on soi 3 sukhumvit road.
i had negative HCV antibody and RIBA tests five years ago...thats how i know i got hcv less than 4 years ago.

[orphanedhawk]

I beg to differ. I went to Bumrungrad originally. (fabulous people watching) The doctor  diagnosed me correctly. However, they don't have any G.I's. My doctor wasn't experienced with HCV though he did know about it. He kept me returning to see him and ran blood work more often than needed. When I was ready to return home, he told me to see a heptologist.  Returning to Bangkok to do some dental work prior to beginning tx, I went to BNH. I saw a G.I, there who was knowledgeable about HCV. If my health were the primary concern, instead of making money, Bumrungrad should have referred me to a G .I. even if that meant sending me to a different hospital.

[niceguy2007]

they used to serve great cookies in that little coffee shop in bumrungrad i forgot the name though...it was next to the mcdonalds i think.

later they closed grace hotel too.