HepC Testing window

Hi guys.

I was wondering if anyone out there could give me some advice about the testing window period for HepC.

Here's my situation. I had a potential exposure to HepC 18 weeks ago. I tested negative for HCV antibodies at 14.5 weeks. I've looked elsewhere online, and some people say that the window period is 3 months, some say that it is 6 months.

I was wondering how reliable the antibody test is at 14.5 weeks? I've read that there's also a PCR test that can tell you if you have a current infection, but some doctors say that this shouldn't be used for diagnosis, but just for confirming a positive antibody test or monitoring viral load. Does anyone know why this is? I've heard that there's a greater chance of a false positive with PCR. Is this true?

It's now 18 weeks since my exposure, and I'm going to take another test. I was thinking about cutting to the chase and taking a PCR test, but I'm scared about getting a false positive from the PCR test, and what it would do to my mental-state if that happened. Would the antibody test be reliable enough at this stage?

Thanks in advance. This is a great forum, so keep up the good work!

Pete.

[debnevada]

It is quite reliable.
I had an exposure in November and my antibodies were positive at the end of January.

A case of Hep C is considered "acute" until six months post definite exposure

You hear the 3 month number because that is the optimal time to begin treatment for a defnite acute case of hep c.

[PBotha]

Hi Deb,

thanks for your post. I'm sorry to hear about your test result. You sound like you have a great attitude though, so hang in there.

Do you mean that normally it's 6 months, but they say 3 for that reason, or do you mean that 3 months is reliable. As an update, I've re-tested at 18 weeks (due to paranoia),and have had another negative result back today. I'm hoping that I would show positive by 18 weeks. Is that right? After how many weeks was it that you showed positive for antibodies, and did you have any negative results prior to that?
I'm in the UK, and the NHS here say that 12 weeks is long enough, but others say longer.

Can I ask what type of exposure you had? Mine was sexual, with protection and unprotected oral. I know it's supposed to be low or zero risk, but the whole thing's freaked me out.

Pete.