Test Result Question

[worried55555]

I have a question about testing.  I had a test during a routine STD test in July 2011 that came back as non-reactive (the number being 0.02 with less than 0.80 as non-reactive).  I had another routine test done in August 2012, which also came back as non-reactive, but with a number of 0.10 (same scale).  Any reasoning as to why the number would have changed in a year, or be higher now?  I have had no known exposure, but just curious as to why the number would be higher.  Thanks for any help!

[copyman]

Congrats, you do NOT have HCV. One less thing to worry about. Go enjoy life.

[Idyllic]

I agree with what has been said so far. A nonreactive test means you lack the antibody to hepatitis C so you have never been exposed. There is usually a paragraph or limit of detection somewhere on your copy of the test that explains that parameters.

As to the reason yours was different:
¸.☆ •*¨*•*♦¸.•"These numbers vary from person to person,
even within that person depending on a variety of individual
and testing factors. What matters when considering index
values is if it is less than the cut off value. If the index value
is less than the cut off value, there is no infection."¸.☆ •*¨*•*♦¸.•

____________________________
Hepatitis C is not an STD but unfortunately it is often included in STD labs. It does not help the matter that Hepatitis C is actually listed in the STD section on the CDC web site. I have always wondered if it is structured like that so people will see it (since transmission via sexual contact is quite low).

See what I mean? HCV is in the CDC STD Treatment Guide (Grrr!)
http://www.medhelp.org/user_photos/show/375465?personal_page_id=1282072

Anyway back to Mr. Worried 5555 the S

[dontworry_behappy]

Right :) The only way it becomes reactive is if you have had an exposure to
Hepatitis C.   Your test results reflect you haven't.  

Stop worrying... Be happy :)

[worried55555]

Thanks for your reply!  So, just because the number changed over the past year, that does not necessarily mean that it will, at some point, become reactive, right?  That was my main concern.  I just didn't understand why it would be different at one point.

[dontworry_behappy]

Test results due vary.  I can be tested for the exact same thing just a week apart and the results can be a few points different.  The most important part is your non reactive.  As you can see, both test were within limits for
that non reactive outcome.

Don't worry...be happy :)

[worried55555]

Well now I'm noticing I never even put Hepatitis C in the subject line.  So sorry.  That's what my question was about...a hepatitis C test result.  If anyone has any advice on this I'd appreciate it.  Thanks!

[worried55555]

I just noticed that I didn't clarify in my question that the test was for Hepatitis C.  I just put that in the subject line.  My mistake!

[worried55555]

Sorry about that!  I didn't know which forum would be best, but figured I'd start here since my question was about the hepatitis C test.

[dontworry_behappy]

Do you have Hepatitis C?  This is the Hepatitis C forum.  You can post in the STD forum for an answer.

[worried55555]

I guess I should add that the reason I am just now posting about a test from last year is that I was getting copies of my files because I am switching doctors and was just looking, and noticed that the numbers were different.  Just thought it was odd.