Testing Period

[Stressed and worried]

Hi All,

I have a general question regarding the testing window for hepatic C.  I had a risky exposure (Shared a cocaine straw) 5 weeks ago with someone that I believe may have hepatitic C.  I would like to know how long I need to wait to get tested for the antibodies?  I have read 4-12 weeks and that most will turn positive by 8-9.  I have had some weird things happening to my body including depression and my eyes have turned slightly yellow, so I am fairly sure I'll be positive but want to know for sure.

[mes326]

you would think they would have more information on the testing period. for instance like on the CDC website about hep c it says something about 7 of 10 and 9 of 10 testing positive when symptoms show up and after symptoms show upand then goes on to say but most peopel dont show symtoms. so how is that helpful. i just wish there was a universal answer. i mean who wants to sit back and wait 6 months to find something like this out. i understand that they have to say there is chance it might take this long, but i wonder when do the majority of people test positive. surely everyone cannot take 6 months to test positive. but i guess its hard to know this for sure since most people dont find out they have it until years later and dont even know where they got it from. my only risk factor is my babys father. so if i have it i have gotten in the past 8 months. now im just waiting for more time to go by to test again to see if it turns positive. and i have 0 suport from him so ive just been sitting here for over a month pregnant and scared out of my mind all by myself wondering whats gonna happen to my and my baby. sorry for rambling thank you for anyone who is listening.

[Jakied]

Symptoms are VERY unreliable in predicting disease.  Go in for an antibody test for Hbv and Hcv.  ^ 6 weeks is enough for a fairly accurate result.  If neg, get 1 more at 6 months and then you have your answer.

[Stressed and worried]

Thank you all for your comments and feedback; I will make a Dr. appointment right now to go get tested (Which will be ~ 6 weeks) and then get retested in a couple of months and stop engaging in risky behavior.  nygirl7, it was after the fact that I realized there person I shared with was involved in using drugs intraveneously, thus my belief that he may be a very high risk individual.  Also, I did not know it was a risky behavior, I though the air killed the virus and it never entered my mind until symptoms appeared.  

Thanks again guys and gals, I am looking forward to putting this behind me one way or the other...If I am positive, I will be back for sure with more questions about the lifestyle changes needed, treatement options, etc... For now, I will never do coke again, it is dangerous in many ways.

[jmjm530]

From "Wikipedia". :
The hepatitis C virus is usually detectable in the blood within one to three weeks after infection (via PCR), and antibodies to the virus are generally detectable within 3 to 12 weeks.
--------------------
Two different types of testing are noted. Viral load testing (1-3 weeks) and antibody testing (3-12 weeks). But keep in mind that viral load can go in and out of the non-detectible range early-on in the acute stage, so not always accurate. Liver enzymes also can give a clue in the acute stage as they can be signficantly elevated. If it were me, I'd see a liver specialist (hepatologist) or at the very least a gastroenterologist. Ask for an antibody test, PCR rest, and normal blood work including liver enzymes -- not that you'll necessarily get all three. Given your scenario, the chances of you contracting HCV are probably pretty small, but it's normal to feel the way you do after a perceived exposure. Going to the doctor hopefully will put your fears to rest.

-- Jim

[nygirl7]

Why would you share a straw with someone who is infected knowing that it is risky behavior?  That to me is a sign of a much bigger problem of whether you now have hepC or not.

I did get hep that way, unfortunately none of us knew about the disease at the time.  I wish I had.  It would have been much easier to use my own straw rather than do treatment.

[mes326]

i dont have an answer sorry, i have the same question. every single website or person i go to gives me a different answer. ive read and heard 2 weeks all the way out to a year, so im wondering too when i can put this issue to rest finally.

[meki]

HepC doesn't usually react that fast - unless you're spontaneously clearing and you got very - VERY - ill.

I'd say 9 weeks --- 3 months.

However - you should probably go get a complete blood workup --- HEP PANEL, HIV, ETC.

Let the doctors know that you are engaged in risky behavior and if those are your symptoms...

Especially with depression.... GO SEE A DOCTOR SOON!!!!

Overnight --- or short term eyes turning yellow and depression is not a sign of latent exposure --- it's a sign of serious problems.

Chances of obtaining HCV through a shared snorting instrument are low... They have been reported to have happened, but it is extremely LOW.

So --- go get your blood work done -- then come back with some more questions.

I'm serious --- go see a doctor - those symptoms are NOT something you want to mess around with.

Meki