hepatitis c

i was tested anti hcv negative on routine check up.10 days later for a blood donation camp ,when the test was done it came as positive-7 points(against a cut off of 1).after 10 days when i repeated the test it came as 1.6 (against a cut off of 1).it is confusing.can you please explain


This discussion is related to false positive for hep c.

[Bill1954]

Prakash, if you had a reactive result with a signal to cut-off ratio of 7:1, you’ll want to request a “HCV RNA by PCR test. The antibody test only checks for possible exposure; the PCR test will tell you if actual virus is present.

Good luck—

Bill

[anxiety55]

Request PCR tetsing and try diferent lab on antibody testing. I was also tested positive on ELISA and never had risk factors but I was shoked and ruined. They did PCR that was negative and another ELISA in diferent lab and was negative also. False positive sometimes happen. I wish you are false positive aslo and PCR will be negative. Good luck.

[GrandOak]

PCR is conclusive means of determining if one is infected.

I would not say that a positive of anti-bodies presence is a false positive result though as it is detecting the anti-bodies.  A true false positive is one which reports a positive result for what is being tested when in fact the item being sought is not present at all.

However, I believe even a positive on anti-bodies precludes one from being able to donate as their screening means to insure supply is clean.  Heck, many will not accept you as a donor if you even live with someone who is infected even if you are completely clear of even the anti-bodies.