HepC testing window and tests

[PBotha]

Hi guys.

I'm new here, and didn't know which hepatitis forum to post in, so I've posted in both.

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.

[hrsepwrguy]

"told me i was one of the lucky  few. i had a  false postive....or was it?"

Is it possible for someone to become infected with HCV and then spontaneously clear the infection?

Yes. Approximately 15%–25% of persons clear the virus from their bodies without treatment and do not develop chronic infection; the reasons for this are not well known.

http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/HCV/HCVfaq.htm#c5

Trust me the hep b shot had nothing to do with it, it could be a false positive or it could be as explained above which means you have been exposed and will always test positive for hep c antibodies, however your immune system cleared the infection on it's own

[xxxfoxgurl26xxx]

few years ago i made some bad chooses.  my 6month check up i found out i had hep c... that day they started me on my series of hep b shots  which made no sence you would think they get another  reading? after that i  had my labs done again for my viral load so on.....weeks later the doc called me in  and told me i was one of the lucky  few. i had a  false postive....or was it? i wonder if the heb b shot either cured me or i really did get lucky.  needless to say it changed my life !!!!!

[Tinkerbell737]

I got exposed to Hep C though a small blood splash to my eye about 5 weeks ago.  Today i had my blood taken and it came out negative.  I was suppose to have it drawn at 6 weeks according to my job but they decided that 5 was ok.  What is the percentage that the negative is totally correct. I get my blood drawn in again 3 months and then 6 months.  Will i need to worry as much or more abouth them?
Worrid and anxious

[Jakied]

Hep C is NOT a Std as Hbv and Hiv are.  Hbv and Hiv are easily transmitted through sexual activity.  Sexual transmission of Hcv is very rare.

i am gald to see you also tested (neg) for Hiv and Hbv.  Three month neg for those is conclusive.

I believe you are home free for everything.  Don't become a 'worried well.'  learn from this and move on.  Don't beat yourself up.

[PBotha]

Hi guys,

cheers for your replies. Like I said, I've tested negative at 18 weeks now, which hopefully puts me in the clear. This has put a real blot on my life for a few months now, and I've definitely learned a lesson.

How long was it before others on here tested positive for antibodies if actute HepC was diagnosed? And had any of you had any other tests that were negative prior to being diagnosed? I guess I'm asking is there anyone who didn't show positive until after 18 weeks if they'd tested negative for antibodies before then?

My potential exposure was protected vaginal sex and unprotected oral. I know that the advice is that this is very low, or even zero risk, but it's really freaked me out for some reason. I guess I shouldn't have jumped online and started looking at symptoms for such a non-specific disease. I tested negative for all other STDs (HIV, HepB, etc) at 3 months, but this 6 month window for HepC is a pain. It's amazing how a low risk can be blown out of proportion in your mind when it's your own health you are concerned with.

Is there anyone using the forum who's contracted HepC from this type of exposure, or is protected vaginal sex and unprotected oral really zero risk?

Thanks in advance everyone!

Pete.

[moahunter]

What they did with me is an antibody test on day of exposure (negative), then tracked my ALT weekly. When this raised about 3 or 4 weeks after (I can't remember exactly), I had an antibody test, which was positive for Hep C. PCR and geno testing followed that. I think it is looking very good for you at 14.5 weeks in - wishing you the best of luck.

[alagirl]

In my own experience, my test was already positive seven or so weeks after exposure.  (We know I was negative before as I'd had negative tests at regular intervals prior to exposure, with the last negative being nine days prior.)

Unfortunately, I didn't test UNTIL seven (going on eight) weeks after exposure so I can't tell you the soonest I would have showed up as positive.

I did the general hep panel for all of my screening tests before and after exposure.  After exposure when I came up hep positive, I did a PCR test to check for my viral load and genotype.  This test is not necessary unless you show positive antibodies to the virus.  Interval testing with the regular hep panel gave me very good early warning of my hepc status and can be credited for my ability to get into treatment early.

[Jakied]

4 bases in Bb.  

An 18 week neg means you have rounded third and are coming into home.  My advice:

Don't waste the money on the Pcr test.  Too expensive at this point,and with an 18 week neg, definitely not necessary.  I believe you are 100% neg.  For your own peace of mind, get a FINAL antibody test at 180 days (i am sure it will be neg) and move on with life.  remember the worry and anxiety the next time you are tempted.  Don't beat yourself up over this and learn from it.

[PBotha]

Hi Jackied,

cheers for your reply. I'm from the UK, so have never played baseball. Are there 3 bases, or 4?

I've tested loads already. As an update, I had another antibody test done this week (at 18 weeks), and that has come back negative as well. Do you think I'm in the clear at 18 weeks? What kind of percentage do you think?

I do have the chance for a PCR test, which is expensive, but if it puts my mind at rest I'd do it. But I'm freaked out by the prospect of a false positive.

Cheers,

Pete.

[Jakied]

A 100 day neg for hep c is VERY reliable.  You have rounded second base and are sliding into third.

The Pcr tests for the virus, not the antibody to the virus.  Most physicians test for antibody because of expense.  the Pcr is very expensive, 400 or 500 while an antibody test is 75 or so.

If I were you, i would feel very good about a 100 day neg.  Keep your mind occupied and in dec, go in for a final 6 month antibody test.  99% certain you will be neg.  I suggest this only for 'peace of mind.'

What was your risk?  If none of my business, tell me.  Blood transfusion and Ivdu are the most common ways to transmit hcv.

There is not much difference between 18 weeks and 14.5 weeks.  If you want to test before 26 weeks, do it at 150 days and then 180 days.

Try not to worry.  you are almost home free.  Just remember this the next time you are tempted.

Play with fire enough times and you will get burned.

I had a similar experience to you.  Worried sick about a one night stand with a pros.  Was certain I had Hiv or Hcv.  Fortunately, the tests were neg.  But I tested WAY too much.  Don't fall in that trap.

Your 100 day neg is VERY reliable.