Question about My Hep C testing?

[Ragsco4]

Hello,

Back on December 5th I posted about possibly having Hep C because the antibody test came back at 1.04, I had a PCR test the Qualitative one done on the 7th of December and it came back as Nonreactive.  Since that time I have gone to see a GI doctor because my ALT was still elevated.  He sent me for a bunch of blood work and my Hep C antibody test came back at 1.48.  I also came back positive in the ANA screen meaning there is a slim chance I might have Autoimmune Hep.  The Good News is I have been having stomach issues for the over a year now and its been very spotty not constant but when it happens it *****.  He is thinking it could be my Gallbladder and I am getting that checked.  He had me do a get more blood work to be sure on the Hep C, this time ordering a HCV w/TMA quantatative test. I want to know if I should be worried or is this normal after you test positive on the antibody side.  Also he said he doesn't think I have Hep C if that matters.

Thanks

[Ragsco4]

Thats what I was thinking, my only concern was the fact that the antibody numbers were different.

[1oftheclub222]

it could mean  that you cleared the virus on your own.  I'm not an expert with the numbers, but others here are, so i will let them chime in.

I do know if you had the hep c virus and cleared it on your own (this happens in 20-25% of the cases), you will always test positive for the antibody (like with chicken pox or something), but the virus is not active, so it isn't a problem, you wouldn't have hep C anymore,  nothing to worry about.  This could be whats up in your case.

[willbb]

Should I be worried that I have it?
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No ..Your Neg. PCR QUAL means you do not have HCV..
Will

[Ragsco4]

Anybody got anything for me? Like I said I had an antibody test come back positive and then the PCR test which was not detected.  Since that time my ALT has remained elevated, had an ultrasound done and it came back normal.  Blood work showed that my antibody count was up from the first test in Dec. which was 1.04, this time in Feb it came back at 1.48.  Should I be worried that I have it?