undetectable value (>50iu/ml) without treatment?

my husband was screened for hep c 2 yrs ago and Anti-HCV and Riba were positive. Then he went to our primary and got the HCV-RNA (PCR Quan) which came back >50 iu/ml. She said this was a rare (I wasen't there to ask more questions) and wanted to test him again in 6 months (never did). Well, my question is what does this all mean? He is going in to have the same test again requested by another dr. I can't find any info about undetectable levels without ever having treatment. Is it possible he cleared the virus back when he got it (either as a kid who had 2 tranfusions or when he used IV drugs 11 years ago). Any help or support will be helpful.

[tashka]

Yes, it is absolutely possible. He is really, really lucky if it is true.

It is good idea to retest. I don't quite understand the number >50. Is it detectable RNA or undetectable? Maybe it is <50?

[Jakied]

I have a feeling you meant to write < 50.  From your post, i am assuming the

quantitative Pcr was negeative down to 50 copies of hcv .  I would say your husband

HAD Hcv from the transfusion or the iv drug use but his immune sysytem was able to

clear it without treatment.  this happens in about 20% of cases.  i would suggest

1 more Pcr test 2 months from the last one.  If that is neg, (and it probably will be)

your husband is clear of the virus but will have the antibodies for a LONG time, maybe

the rest of his life.  This is not a health problem but he cannot donate blood or organs.

Some people eventually lose the antibody, after several decades.

[chemister]

Yes, let him take a new test. They have PCR who show UND or less than 15 copies/mL
15% of all people will never get hep C.
Maybe he is one of them :)

[redding1]

Well, he's not detectable again. This is twice now with all his metabolic panel results all normal. I guess he must have cleared it up somtime in the past. If he got it when he was a kid, then that would make the idea much more plausible. I hope and pray for all who are stricken with ailments. I have a new outlook on life because of all of this.