one mmore quick question on hep c

Question

okay last year I had std testings done at my gyno and I came back positive for hepatitis c or hcv and so I went to a liver specialist where I lived at that time. The specialist sent me to a lab to have more extensive blook work done and that text came back that I just came in contact with hep C a while bak, I kno that means I still have the antibodies, but I jjust really wanted to know if one day it could changed and go back

ceanothus · Answer

One of these years the blood centers are going to have to find a cheap way to test for active infection, as with so many hep c patients and an ever-larger portion cured but forever carrying antibodies, it just doesn't make sense to forever exclude these people from donating. I don't think blood donors are abundant enough that they can afford to forever exclude such a large group. Unfortunately, current tests for active virus cost a lot more money than those for antibodies.

MagTX · Answer

Oops spell ck. :(
Should read "an active infection"

MagTX · Answer

That's what they screen for is the antibodies when people donate blood, they don't do viral loads to determine an a five infection or not.  They won't use blood that has been exposed and shows up with the antibodies regardless if someone's infected or not.

mariavick25 · Answer

thank you very much for your answers. I went to donate blood and they told me I couldn't because of the antibodies which I didn't think you could give to anyone unless you are infected.

Dee1956 · Answer

You are lucky, like Can-do and Mag said
I know one other person who evidently fought it off you are both lucky
Congrats

MagTX · Answer

Congrats!  Be grateful you will only carry the antibodies forever, without a chronic infection! The majority that become exposed to HCV are not as lucky as you ;)