what does hep c ab positive mean

me and my husband applied for insurance and the did blood and urine test on him and it came back saying hep c ab positive  and they turn him down for the insurance it's been a week ? does hep c ab mean that he has it we waiting on the new test back and all the doctor say is lets wait on the result

[newleaf09]

He tested positive for the antibodies to the hepatitis C virus.  The presence of the antibodies in his blood indicates that he has had the virus.  It is possible for the immune system to clear the virus from the body on it's own, but an awful lot of people do not clear the virus.  The second test will clarify whether he just has the leftover antibodies from the disease (ALL viruses leave antibodies behind) or whether he still does have the actual disease.  If he does have it he will need to begin following up with a doctor, as the virus can produce liver damage in its sufferers.

[Diamond_Lil]

Some people have a positive hepatitis C antibody test but have a negative HCV RNA (PCR) and normal liver enzymes.   The most appealing explanation for this is that the individual was exposed to hepatitis C
but managed to eliminate the virus on their own.  About 10 to 15% of people will eliminate the hepatitis C virus
on their own.

A false positive antibody test can occur but is very rare and all subsequent tests will show negative for hepatitis C.

Good Luck with the testing
Diamond_Lil