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Hep C antibodies but no virus in blood now whathappens?
I am pregnant with my 3rd child. After my initial blood workup my Ob/Gyn told meI tested positive for Hep C antibodies. I went back for followup blood tests and they came back thatI do not have any virus in my blood. My liver function also came back normal. I have been all over the map with my emotions. I dont know how I contracted it, or how long ago. My best guess is when I had my navel pierced about 12 years ago. My Dr. said she will test me a few more times during the pregnancy and I will have to be tested periodically. Does this mean I have it definitely, or that I was exposed to it but my immune system knocked it out? Is there a way to test the amount of antibodies to see how long I have had it. Is it all a waiting game from here on out?
J
J
I presume that they did both a qualitative and a quantitative PCR test. if the qual comes back negative and it is a very sensitive one, you do not have the active virus.
If the quantitative is negative or within range, and the qual is positive you have the virus at a very low level. There is no reactivation as far as studies suggest.
I believe this term comes about from using tests that were not sensitive enough, thus not detecting very low viral load. Then one day the immune system can't hold the level anymore and the virus replicates more thus showing up in later years. But the person was never truly negative to begin with. If both the tests mentioned are negative repeatedly, there is no "reactivation".
That term is not used by researchers as much anymore.
As far as how you contracted it, if you do manicures/pedicures with the salon's tools, that is one possibiltiy. sharing razors or toothbrushes, and some invasive procedure that used instruments that were not properly sterilized, also.
There was a case where patients were contacted to get tested for hcv because the sterilizing machine had failed to properly reach the proper temperature and the tech failed to notice it. Little things like that. Just don't worry uneccessarily. ;-]
If the quantitative is negative or within range, and the qual is positive you have the virus at a very low level. There is no reactivation as far as studies suggest.
I believe this term comes about from using tests that were not sensitive enough, thus not detecting very low viral load. Then one day the immune system can't hold the level anymore and the virus replicates more thus showing up in later years. But the person was never truly negative to begin with. If both the tests mentioned are negative repeatedly, there is no "reactivation".
That term is not used by researchers as much anymore.
As far as how you contracted it, if you do manicures/pedicures with the salon's tools, that is one possibiltiy. sharing razors or toothbrushes, and some invasive procedure that used instruments that were not properly sterilized, also.
There was a case where patients were contacted to get tested for hcv because the sterilizing machine had failed to properly reach the proper temperature and the tech failed to notice it. Little things like that. Just don't worry uneccessarily. ;-]
I had to run off to work yesterday and didn't have the time to tell you "way to go" for finally getting your lab work done. I know you will be fine, just like your hubby is. Another two weeks before I find out, maybe we will find out the same time. Anyway, think positively, alright?
Mattie
Mattie
Hi Mattie,,,,Thanks and yes,,,,maybe we can share the good news together in a week or 2. Hows your hubby getting along these days? I hope great! I will be thinking of you this week!
He's doing fantastic, thanks for asking. We are making the big trip back to the city today for his monthly check-up at the Transplant Clinic. He continues to get stronger and is putting on weight daily but now also has a cold. In the great scheme of things, we are happy and thriving and continue to move forward. Have a great day.
Mattie
Mattie
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