confused count

Yesterday, I was told that I have been "exposed" to the Hep C virus. The doctor also explained that a normal liver count is 0.9 and my count is 13. I have searched for info, but have only found sites regarding infection, not "exposure". I also have found no info on this type of liver count, only numbers in the 100's. I am a recovering addict, so contracting it is no mystery, but I am slightly confused on the rest. Can anyone explain this to me?  Thanks for reading....

[cuteus]

it is not clear what you mean by liver count, what exactly is that? did you get copies of your blood work? if not, do so soon.  

a liver profile would include the measurement of the enzymes and hormones produced by this organ, things like bilirubn, AST, ALT and other markers would show results in the blood drawn. are you talking about enzymes or antibodies?

you need to ask your dr what it is he is talking about. He should be answering your questions, not the internet.

In any case, has he ordered a test that will confirm if you have hep c, not just antibodies?

[tulsatime]

Hi, I am sorry about the news.  It does sound like your Dr should have gone into more detail. If he said you was exposed to the virus. That doesn't mean you have chronic Hep C. About 15% of the people exposed can fight it off on their own. You need a viral load done to see if the virus in still there. From there you can decide if more test are warrented. Such as genotype biopsy utra sound and such. Like cuteus said liver test means ALT and AST and things like that. The numbers you gave does not sound like he did those test. I do not know what those test could be. Please call your Dr and get more info. Hope this helps. Good luck, Debi

[mkeela]

I guess I can't seem to figure out what test was taken to get the result that you did. If you had the name of the certain test performed, it would help to figure it out. Sorry I can't be of more help to you. Here is a small list of some of the tests run to check for problems in the liver. And also, did the Dr. mean by "exposure" that you have Hep C, or was just exposed to it? Sorry, I am very confused by what you asked. Good luck with your ordeal! CALL YOUR DR. RIGHT AWAY, to clear the confusion up, there should never be a reason for the stress caused by lack of communication with your health care professional!!


BLOOD TESTS

Doctors/ NPs/PAs  will often order Blood tests on a regular basis to monitor your health. The Blood chemistry test, also known as the Complete Metabolic Profile (CMP), measures some of the most important chemicals required and produced by your body, to function properly, Blood chemicals like those produced by the liver, as well as nutritional elements such as vitamins, proteins, fats, and sugar. A CMP can involve dozens of different tests, but the tests as ordered usually measure many chemicals. We may order only a Basic Metabolic Profile (BMP) which has just electrolytes, sugar and kidney test. A blood count (CBC) measures your blood cells, not chemicals in the blood.  Tests may be ordered individually since some insurances such as Medicare require a specific reason for each test.   Some important tests are discussed below.

LIVER
Total Protein (TP) - A rough measure of the total amount of serum protein in your body. Protein measurements can reflect not only liver disease, but nutritional state, kidney disease, and many other conditions as well. If the total protein result is abnormal, further tests must be performed to identify which protein fraction, and then which specific protein, is abnormal.

Albumin - The most abundant protein found in Blood plasma, representing 40% to 66% of the total protein in your body. Albumin keeps water inside your Blood vessels. Reduced levels of albumin may reflect a variety of conditions, including primary liver disease, increased breakdown of macromolecules resulting from tissue damage or inflammation, malnutrition, malabsorption syndromes, and renal diseases.

Globulin - Globulins are a diverse group of proteins in the Blood that grouped together represent the second most common proteins (after albumin) in the Bloodstream. Globulin is actually made up of about 60 different important proteins and is one of the components that help to fight infections. Some of the proteins in this group play an  important role in Blood clotting. An elevation in the level of serum globulin can indicate the presence of cirrhosis of the liver.

ALT/SGPT (Alanine Aminotransferase) - Found mainly in the liver, the activity of this enzyme is measured in Blood plasma. Damage from alcohol, strenuous exercise, some medications and a number of diseases can cause high test values. Elevated levels of this enzyme can be an indication of viral hepatitis and other forms of liver disease.

AST/SGOT Aspartate Aminotransferase - An increase of aspartate aminotransferase (AST, formerly referred to as "SGOT") is found in any condition involving necrosis of hepatocytes, myocardial cells, or skeletal muscle cells. As in AST/SGPT, damage from alcohol, strenuous exercise, some medications and a number of diseases can cause high test values. Decreased serum AST is of no known clinical significance.

Bilirubin, Total - The coloring agent in the Blood that makes the plasma (serum) part of your Blood yellow. When the bilirubin level is very high for an extended period of  time, the whites of your eyes and even your skin may become yellow (jaundice). Bilirubin comes from the breakdown of old red cells in the Blood. Total bilirubin is increased most commonly in liver disease (hepatitis, malignancy, advanced cirrhosis) and due to obstruction of the biliary system (gall stones, pancreatic cancer). Severe haemolytic anaemia can cause moderate increases which are almost entirely made up of the unconjugated fraction. Moderate to marked hyperbilirubinaemia is seen in some neonates especially if premature and can be caused by inborn errors of bilirubin metabolism or transport is a small number of cases.

Bilirubin, Direct - A specific form of bilirubin (conjugated) that is formed in the liver and excreted in bile. Under normal conditions very little of this form of bilirubin is found in the Blood. In liver disease, however, this form of bilirubin enters the Bloodstream so that even a slightly high level may indicate a problem with the liver cells, an obstruction of the bile ducts, or impairment of liver cell function.

Alkaline Phosphatase - An enzyme found in all body tissue, but primarily in bones, bile ducts and in the liver. A high level may indicate bone, liver, or bile duct disease. Some drugs may also cause increased levels. Expected values are higher for those who are growing (children and pregnant women) or when damage to bones or liver has occurred or with a gallstone condition. Low values are probably not significant.

[mkeela]

Here is a VERY good address for the imformation you are looking for...check it out and tell me if it helped!!!! Many of the questions you asked are listed on this page...GOOD LUCK!

www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/c/faq.htm