"Confirmation Hep C Test"

[worriedpot]

I went for a Health screening recently and my Hep C result came back as "Reactive". The Doctor ordered another Blood Test for me ( Hep C Antibody, IGG RIBA) Is the IGG RIBA test same as the one that I've read on this forum as others have mentioned it as RIBA test? I was worried sick when I've read on the Internet that false positive result is possible but very unlikely. I went for a blood donation in June 09 and they checked my blood for Hep C which turns out Negative. Is there any incubation period for Hep C? Any help is appreciated. I'm still waiting anxiously for my 2nd blood test result to be back.

[worriedpot]

Hi Guys,

Once again thanks for the reply. I will offer the Blood Bank a copy of the RIBA test as suggested by Bill if they don't think I'm good for blood donation in future then it can't be help.(Which I hope is not the case)
Thank you so much for all the info, help and encouragement I really appreciate it. You guys take care and all the best as well.

Cheers.

[JennyPenny2009]

Bill is totally correct. However, it is doubtful the blood bank would accept your donation as they are 1000% careful.

[Bill1954]

A RIBA result is considered very conclusive for presence of antibodies. If you have a negative result, it’s safe to conclude that you were never initially infected; the antibody result was false positive. No, you’re not either infected, nor were you ever a carrier of the virus.

Call the blood bank, explain the situation, and offer a copy of the RIBA for documentation.

Congratulations, and good luck—

Bill

[worriedpot]

Hi there,

Thanks alot for the reply. Just got a call from the clinic and they said my RIBA is Negative.
Still curious, any ideal whether I am still safe to donate blood im future? Does that mean I'm not a Hep C carrier at all?

Thanks in advance.

[JennyPenny2009]

Yes, it is the RIBA test and that confirms the first test. Even if that comes back positive, it does not necessarily mean you actually have the virus. They will do a test that patients call a viral load test (HCV/RNA by PCR). In that test they look for the actual virus in the blood, not just the viral load. It isn't time to worry yet. Harder done than said, I know.

Take a deep breath and I hope you get good news. But if you don't, Hep C is not a death sentence especially with the new drugs coming quite soon.

Good luck.