Thank you so much bill for your quick reply. I feel much better now. So my slight increase inn hep antibodies isnt anything significant that i should be concerned with? Do you think that i would have had antibodies present in march from my first exposure that occured jan 10th? Thanks for everything!
Hi there,
The event you describe sounds like a very unlikely source of transmission; however, probably best to have a Hep panel run (like you did) just in case. Yes, if a patient has active, chronic infection either past or present, they will be reactive/positive for HCV antibodies; these will likely be present for life.
The increase in signal to cut-off ratio (<0.1 to 0.2) is insignificant, most likely ‘noise’ involved with test procedure.
If you’re doctor feels it’s indicated, he/she can order a ‘HCV RNA by PCR’ test to check for active viral infection; these tests are relatively expensive, and are only ordered if indicated; not to satisfy personal curiosity. You can discuss this option with your doctor.
Vertical transmission from mother to daughter is rare; statistically it occurs <5% of the time. If you are somehow positive for HCV, they can test the baby at 12-18 months for antibodies; not earlier. This seems unlikely, though. Have fun with your new baby!
Best of luck to you—
Bill