What should I do now about test results??

[texas007]

Hey everyone. I am a little unsure what I should do now. Here were my intitial test results:

11/30/2007

Hepatits C Antibody
  Profile/Panel/Test             Value                 Unit                                 Normal Range
SIGNAL TO CUT-OFF         1.23                                                           OR = 1.0 AND <8.0. THE CDC RECOMMENDS SUPPLEMENTAL TESTING SUCH AS RIBA OR NUCLEIC ACID AMPLIFIED TESTING (NAAT) FOR CONFIRMATION. (MMWR NO. RR-3, 2003). IF NAAT IS CHOSEN, PLEASE SUBMIT A NEW, FROZEN, PLASMA OR SERUM SPECIMEN.


HEPATITIS C ANTIBODY REACTIVE    NON-REACTIVE
Comment:  
VERIFIED BY REPEAT ANALYSIS


12/12/2007

Hepatitis C Viral RNA, Quantitative TMA  
Profile/Panel/Test Value                   Unit                                                       Normal Range
HCV RNA QN TMA                          <5  IU/mL  

Comment:  
Reference Range: <5

HCV RNA QN TMA_                         <0.70  LogIU/mL  

The low reactivity I had to the initial antibody test is known to have  a high incidence of being a false positive. Instead of doing a RIBA confirmatory test, my doc ordered the  RNA Quantitative which I tested negative on. He told me that I had indeed had a false positive antibody test. Do I need to have any other tests run or is this confirmatory in my case?
  

[jmjm530]

In short, you do not have the virus, as confirmed by a very sensitive quantitative TMA, so that's excellent news.  

You do not need another test, however, the "HCV RNA QN TMA" might be repeated once or twice in "x" months, especially if you and your medical team think that you may have been exposed to the virus in the last six months. Curious, what made you get tested and what were your liver enzymes during this period?

-- Jim

[texas007]

I normally get tested for everything once a year since I am a nurse. My liver enzymes were all well within normal limits. I guess I am just a paranoid type of person.

[jmjm530]

By way of explanation of why repeating the RNA Quantitative might be prudent -- during the acute stage viremia is sometimes intermittent,meaning it may go in and out of the detectible range a number of times. For that reason, it's possible to test RNA negative at some points while still having the virus while still showing antibody positive via riba, which you did not have.

[jmjm530]

Considering then, that this appears to be routine testing, and you are asymptomatic with normal enzymes -- the odds of you being in the acute stage are very low and therefore the RNA test most probably is confirmatory. But as long as you test yearly, I would have the RNA run again at that time, and even sooner if you become symptomatic and/or show an elevation in liver enzymes, or -- of course -- if your doctor thinks earlier testing is prudent.

-- Jim

[texas007]

Thank you for the info. I am going to get a RIBA test tomorrow to put this question to rest once and for all.

[jmjm530]

That's what I personally would do but I'm fairly certain you will be just fine. Then continue your yearly tesing which seems prudent given your field of work. Do stop by if you have a chance and let us know how things went.

-- Jim

[Jakied]

the 'reactive' signal of 1.23 on the screening test is very weak pos and probably a false pos.  The Riba test will tell the story, one way or the other.  It is VERY specific for Hcv.  I have a feeling this will be neg.

Good luck with that, and let us know the result, if you can.  

[texas007]

I received my RIBA test results and it was negative. I am so glad. Thank you guys for your help on this matter.

[Jakied]

The neg Riba means you don't have Hcv antibody in your bloodstream.  that is MUCH better than having Hcv and clearing, either on your own or through treatment.  Having hcv antibody is not a health problem but you cannot donate blood or organs etc.

i am sure you know this, though. You're a nurse.

Anyway, congrats on your neg Riba.  i am sure that is a load off.