Testing window and exposure

[Male2726]

Hello all,


I feel I may have had an exposure to hep c a couple months ago . A woman placed her tongue on my anus for several minutes and I am unaware if she had traces of blood in her mouth. I've been pretty worried and had a 10 week test done which came back negative . How accurate is a ten week test? I will probably go back for a 12 week test.

Any information is appreciated




Thank you

[flyinlynn]

Same answers you received at hepatitis forum when you asked over there twice

[patra_]

I see others have answered your question.  

My answer is what I said before, you probably have nothing to worry about, but, if you are still concerned, do the Antibody test again at 6 months post exposure - just to be sure.

You should also get tested for STDs, just for peace of mind.

Blessings,

Pat

[Male2726]

Great thank you all for the response ! Based on what you all have said I'll assume my chances of contracting hep is was very little to none and that my 10 week test is a great indicator of my true status . ......

[Carlhcv]

What they said. ^

[hrsepwrguy]

Hepatitis C Risk – The Hepatitis C virus can also cause chronic liver disease with a potential for being fatal. Transmitted via blood-to-blood contact, this illness is harder to acquire from sexual contact. While there is little evidence proving Hepatitis C acquisition through oral sex, a theoretical risk exists if there is any blood present in the giver and receiver. Thus, a risk of transmitting Hepatitis C via cunnilingus, fellatio or analingus exists if there is any menstrual blood, bleeding gums, a throat infection, cold sores, canker sores, genital warts, hemorrhoids or any other breaks in the skin in any involved body structure – vagina, clitoris, labia, penis, testicles, anus, perineum, lips, tongue or anywhere else on the genitalia or inside the mouth.

Experts believe that viral hepatitis is more likely to be transmitted if either the positive or the negative partner has another STD, especially one that causes sores or lesions. Thus, suspicious symptoms should always be checked by a doctor before engaging in oral sex.

http://www.hepatitiscentral.com/mt/archives/2009/10/can_you_get_vir.html

How soon after exposure to HCV can anti-HCV be detected?

HCV infection can be detected by anti-HCV screening tests (enzyme immunoassay) 4–10 weeks after infection. Anti-HCV can be detected in >97% of persons by 6 months after exposure.

How soon after exposure to HCV can HCV RNA be detected by PCR?

HCV RNA appears in blood and can be detected as early as 2–3 weeks after infection.

http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/HCV/HCVfaq.htm#c5

"With your knowledge of hep c, is it commonly spread through my exposure ?"

NO

"Is a 10 week test a good indicator of my true status ?"

Yes but you still need another test at 24 wk for confirmation

[Male2726]

Even if she may have had any traces of blood in her mouth from flossing or brushing

[SurfsideGal]

There is no risk from what you describe.

[Male2726]

Thanks for the response

[Male2726]

Thank you for the response patra,!
With your knowledge of hep c, is it commonly spread through my exposure ? Is a 10 week test a good indicator of my true status ?
I'm pretty stressed out.

[patra_]

Hi, and welcome to the Forum.  

In answer to your question, since your 10 week test was negative, I suggest that you wait until Week 24 post exposure, to retest.  That way, you can be sure.

There is no sense wasting money.  ALSO, even if you tested positive, you couldn't be absolutely sure you were Hep C free, because, IF you HAD contracted it, your body might be able to fight it off.  

Wait til the 6 months.

Good luck and take care!  Hep C is limited to blood to blood exposure, but STDs are not!