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Testing time for Hepatitis

by scared68, May 17, 2007 12:00AM
My question is how long should one wait after an exposure to get tested for hepatitis?(A, B and C)
I was talking to an online clinic and they said 4 weeks is sufficient time. Is that true?
Member Comments (1)

by AdviceSeeker06, May 18, 2007 12:00AM
To: All
Hi scared68,

http://www.ebiocare.com/communities/hepatitis/faqc.html

Q: How long after exposure to HCV does it take to test positive with PCR?
A: It is possible to find HCV within 1 to 2 weeks after being infected with the virus.

Q: Can you have a "false positive" anti-HCV test result?
A: Yes. A false positive test means the test looks as if it is positive, but it is really negative. This happens more often in persons who have a low risk for the disease for which they are being tested. For example, false positive anti-HCV tests happen more often in persons such as blood donors who are at low risk for hepatitis C. Therefore, it is important to confirm a positive anti-HCV test with a supplemental test as most false positive anti-HCV tests are reported as negative on supplemental testing.

Q: Can you have a "false negative" anti-HCV test result?
A: Yes. Persons with early infection may not as yet have developed antibody levels high enough that the test can measure. In addition, some persons may lack the (immune) response necessary for the test to work well. In these persons, research-based tests such as PCR (generic polymerase chain reaction) may be considered.

I hope that helps.

-AdviceSeeker06
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