Could it possibly be something else?

Hello,

I have a follow-up appointment with an immunologist next week concerning a PCR test for Hepatitis C. In March through routine blood work I was told I tested positive for Hep C antibodies. A second test immediately after that ordered by my family physician's nurse practitioner (unsure what the test was..RIBA? PCR?) came back negative. I aired on the side of caution and decided to see an Immunologist. Repeated testing and was told that the antibody test still came by reactive, but my liver function was normal. Doctor ordered a viral load and genotype test in early April. Received "Undetected" results in mid April. I have posted on this forum before and was told that I probably have nothing to worry about concerning HepC, but could the anti-HepC positive result be a sign of some underlying issue that I should address with my physician? I have done some research on possible reasons for false positive anti-HCV tests and am very confused. I have had endocrine-related issues in the past, but specialists always came up empty-handed after several diagnostics (blood, MRI on pituitary, cat scan of kidneys and adrenal glands, ultrasound on ovaries). Also issues with skin (sever acne as a teenageer), irregular menstrual cycle (now regulated through oral contraceptives) Any insight or advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Douglas Dieterich, MD]

False positive antibodies for HCV do occur in about 1% of patients. Sometimes they accompany an autoimmune disease and sometimes they are just random. If you are OK now then I would just forget about it and celebrate your good health!
DTD