Please read quick, test results

[lving4today]

Just got my hard copy of my results and my tests read as follows:

Anti-HCV - Positive
Anti-HCV Signal/Cutoff - 1.50
Hepatitis C PCR - UNSATISFACTORY

And then the comments read - UNSATISFACTORY REASON FOR TEST - Hepatitis C PCR

I'm confused.
What exactly does this mean? My risk level is slim to none and I just don't see how it could be possible.
From the time of test date, the only exposure I had was over a year before hand, a tattoo at a reputable tattoo shop with sterilized and autoclave needles.

[lving4today]

Well I just got done with my liver function/hep panel blood work.

Now all there is to do is wait. The nurse said I'll probably my results tomorrow morning before my tonsillectomy.

[newleaf09]

Finally a good expression that gets by the censors!  Cursing is a human expression that really has no meaning whatsoever.  Regardless of what you say, what you mean is "I feel very strongly about this".  At last something useable!

[lving4today]

Alright, good deal. That relieves some of the pressure, I just need to clear that tiny bit left so I can enjoy my damn summer!

I should know by tomorrow or the next day hopefully, as my doc said the lab he uses are quick and very accurate.

Lol! We can start a new trend of the WTF face =S

[Bill1954]

LOL, I walk through life constantly with a wtf?! expression on my face; I thought that was normal :o).

[Bill1954]

Yes, that would be my interpretation of the CDC document. I’d print the CDC page, and take it with me to the follow up appointment; some doctors outside of liver specialists aren’t very familiar with this disease and its testing. I wholeheartedly agree there is little to be concerned about at this point; even if you did test antibody positive, there is a 15-20% chance of clearing the virus with your own immune response. Do follow up just to make certain though. Let us know how things go, OK?

Best to you,

Bill

[lving4today]

So Bill, that chart is saying anything above those parameters are 95% positive? and anything less could be a false positive?

[lving4today]

Thank you guys for the feedback, so quickly. It really has been eating me up though. I'm only 19 years old and that's quite a heavy thing to place upon my shoulders, specially considering I've always been as safe as can be.

The way the nurse explained it was this "It could be mean a false positive, that you were exposed to the virus and cleared it, or it is newly developing, but it's nothing to worry about!"

Kind of left me with a wtf?! face, but it's all good I suppose.

On the results it states that it was not performed due to low levels and there is something about RIBA on it, I'm not sure if that means that's what kind of test it was or not.

It was a local clinic and from what I heard there lab they send it to has made similar errors. My sinus surgeon is the one who is ordering me the hep panel tomorrow as part of my pre-op.

I forgot to add the first part of my results states Anti-HCV antibodies, I think. That's the only part that said positive.

[Bill1954]

The U.S. CDC provides a link to this overview of HCV antibody testing, and the associated sc/o ratios. It appears that different manufacturers use different parameters for this purpose:

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/c/sc_ratios.htm

Bill

[newleaf09]

On my HCV antibody test (and I guess there may be a couple of them), my s/co was 22.  That's a strong positive.  It also says anything under 8 is a negative.  RIBA test could confirm if it's positive or not.  I think you are safe but do a little follow-up lab work for your own peace of mind.

[Bill1954]

I fully agree with Mike that the wording in the results is ambiguous. From what I can gather, the PCR wasn’t performed due to low sc/o results.

A HCV RIBA test can be performed to confirm the presence of antibodies; this test is considered very specific. You could also discuss the merits of an “HCV RNA by PCR’ test; this can determine if actual virus is present. Either way, I agree that the preliminary results are very encouraging. A follow up with the doctor sounds as though it’s in order though.

Best of luck,

Bill

[mikesimon]

I don't think it suggests that you have a "trace of HCV".
I believe that it suggests that you had a FALSE  "Positive HCV antibody test result".
That means that there is no hepatitis c virus in your system/body/in YOU.
I wouldn't argue against undergoing further testing but I would definitely relax about it - it's good news! I really would relax - life's too short.
Good luck,
Mike

[nygirl7]

False positives usually show at a very very low level - that would be why they are convinced it is not a real viral load which would be in the 100s of thousands at least instead of like 10 or something maybe.

If this is somewhat like what the nurse said I'd imagine she is correct and so are we but honestly we're really just guessing here about this and aren't doctors - call them back if you have any questions, really that is their job!

[lving4today]

That's pretty much what I was told by the Nurse. She told me not to panic or freak out, but exactly how do you not freak out when they're saying you've got a trace of HCV -_-

I'm getting a hep panel and liver function test tomorrow at my preop for tonsillectomy

[mikesimon]

My guess and it's only a guess is that your "signal/cuttoff" is too low and suggests a false "positive HCV antibody test result". I think the ratio should be in the high 3s or higher for the PCR to be performed. So basically what I think this result is showing is that you probably don't have HCV and haven't been exposed to HCV.
I agree that the result is confusing and, as I said, I am just sort of guessing here.
I hope someone with more knowledge and confidence will weigh in soon.
Mike