Hep C antibodies but no virus in blood now whathappens?

[littlelion]

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

[Lynne5477]

I believe it's 15% of the people clear HCV on their own.  Sounds like you have a good immune system and that it cleared the virus for you.  I'm saying this based on your comment that you have no viral load. You will always test positive for the antibodies.

Best wishes to you and here's to hoping you have an easy pregnancy.

[littlelion]

Thank you so much for your response. Is there a way for the virus to "hide" in plain sight so to speak? My Dr. mentioned "reactivation"...I guess I need to make an apt with my primary Dr. and find out more, but I know from experience that going to people who have "been there" in a particular situation is usually more helpful than going to the "experts".

J

[Tallblonde]

First, congratulations on your pregnancy!

Second, don't let your fears about Hepatitis C ruin your enjoyment this pregnancy (I know, I know...easier said than done).  The good news is, they didn't dedect a viral load.  That could very well mean that you're one of the lucky 15% who clear it on their own without treatment.  

I would strongly urge you to obtain a copy of that viral load test (it's called a PCR).  There are several PCR tests with varying lower ranges.  For example, a recent PCR test I took came back as "undetectable," but my relief was short-lived when I found out that the lower level of the test was 600 IU/mL. A more senstive test revealed that I do have an active infection (albeit with an extremely low viral load).  There are tests that measure as low as 2 IU/mL.  If you test negative on one of those, that's a great sign.  So the important thing right now is for you to get a copy of that PCR test and find out how sensitive a test was used on you. If it wasn't very sensitive, request another test.

I don't want to scare you. Even if you do have an active infection, it's not the end of the world.  But let's assume the best and start by verifying the sensitivity of the test.  That's the starting point for you right now.  

Best wishes to you.

Susan

[layla]

It does sound like you cleared it on your own. Once you have antibodies you always will. It is the same as if you have had a vaccine for a disease. You then have the antibodies for that disease but not the actual disease. If you have HCV the disease it will show up in a viral load test which yours is negative, but like Susan said you should check how sensaive that test actually was. I also tested negative on a test but the more sensative test showed me to be positive. I'm betting you are one of the lucky ones that your body cleared the HCV on its own. LL

[honey1616]

I agree,,,looks like you beat it and will only test postive for antibodies.  I would take another test in future for reassurance on the viral load and then move on and not worry.  Probably the only way,,,you could catch again if you are negative now is by being reinfected.

[littlelion]

Thank you for the information. I am feeling better as far as the pregnancy is concerned, and I dont have to immediately test my kids(still little guys). I will get a copy of that test and make sure the most sensitive one is done. If this only affected me that would be one thing but knowing I may have given it to my kids is heartbreaking.

J

[cuteus]

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. ;-]

[cuteus]

I want to believe this study:
http://www.natap.org/2005/HCV/010505_02.htm

[couchpotato]

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

[honey1616]

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!

[couchpotato]

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

[TAMMYS]

iI just found uot by my doctor that I carry the antibodies(on a low scale) for Hep c, Does this mean I once had it? I went for more thorugh tests today... should I be panicked?
Tammy

[TAMMYS]

sorry, for the poor spelling I am a little nrevous today!
Tammy

[meki]

TAMMYS

First - if you have ANY detectable virus level - no matter how small... Then you have HepC.

However --- if you ONLY test postitive for the antibodies of HepC --- but no viral load at all - then you have cleared the HepC virus.

The first test you will normally take is:

A hepatitis panel

If you come back positive, they will do a couple more blood tests:

1 - to find the GENOTYPE
2 - to find the VIRAL LOAD
3 - to find your ALT, AST Bilirubin and other Liver functions and overall health.

If your viral load comes back less than detectable, you are considered UNDETECTABLE.

If you viral load comes back in ANY amount detectable - then you will be given several options... Treat - wait - etc.

If you come back with a VIRAL LOAD --- my suggestion is to research this forum... JANIS AND FRIENDS (another website - you can google it) and HCV advocate... Those are probably my favorites...

There is a lot of information to be found - you will get overloaded. Take your time...

Take a deep breath.

Do not let a doctor push you into immediate treatment until you know what you are getting into. There are a lot of options - a lot of things you NEED TO KNOW - before you do anything. OK?

From this point on - your health is in your own hands. Please take care of it.

It is nice to meet you - and I wish the best for you.

Please post NEW questions on new threads... This original thread is from 2005 - so some folks may not even see it. Please ask new questions - that's what we are here for.

Most folks I ask them to please read the forum for about 3 months back --- so they can get "caught" up on who is who --- what is going on --- and the basic information shared...

Don't worry if you dont' understand it all... You will eventually get it... It's like learning a new language --- but you can do it.

Many hugs,

Meki

[CMcH]

I was first tested back in 1987 after an exposure at work. Initially they were calling it non specific A & B. Later on they said I had the antibodies for Hep C and it was a good thing because I had been exposed but now I was immune. That was a long time ago and they did not know much. I have had 2 kids and a busy life but when I got tested for another exposure 20 years later I had it already with an active VL  of 360,500 or so. I have started TX now because of other autoimmune things that were coming up probably from the now Chronic Hep C. So I don't know if I was miss diagnosed at first or it reactivated or had a later exposure? I don't think the later but it really doesn't matter. I was able to have healthy children and lead a fairly normal life.

[Jakied]

Fyi.  You are NEVER immune to hep C.  The antibodies from a past infection are NO

help in preventing future infection.  

A VL of 360,500 is very low so your chance of successful treatment is higher.

[lindajb]

I was tested (EIA) twice by two different labs and was found to be anti-HCV positive both times. Doc followed up with an RIBA to confirm results of EIAs. RIBA came back negative. They will do a 3rd round of tests: a third EIA and a second RIBA.

My question: Is it possible to have the hep C antibodies even if the EIA is not confirmed by the RIBA?  What does the RIBA test for?

[concerned1120]

If your husband was told that he has the anti-bodies of hep c. should his wife be concerned. or be tested.

[Marcia2202]

Personally, I had my whole family tested.

Marcia

[pleasehelp940]

i was tested twice for hep c, and the blood bank said i had hep c. then went and got tested at the health dept. they said i had it, so i went to my gi doc and he did all kind of blood testing. all the test came back and said i do not carry the hep c virus. i had both the qualitative and the quantitative pcr test done. can anyone tell me if i should get a 2nd opinion.

[ohboy2010]

I got hep c at 17 now i am 53  all tests over the years said neg but recently said positive.. liver is normal  is it pos that my ex got it. what should I do.

[Bill1954]

Hi Sassenach,

You’ll need to be a bit more specific as to the type of tests used; there are many different tests for HCV.

It is likely you have been getting the HCV antibody tests, unless they were ordered by a liver specialist in the past. If psotoive for antibodies only, no further action is required on your part.

The test for active virus is the ‘HCV RNA by PCR’ test; if an antibody test is reactive/positive, then further, confirmatory testing is required.

If you like, ask for hard copies of previous tests, and someone in here will help interpret them. Best of luck to you—

Bill

[Jakied]

A reactive screening test AND neg riba means a false pos screening test.  the screening test is very SENSITIVE for antibodies so it can detect antibodies other
than HCV.  the Riba test is very SPECIFIC for HCV antibody so if that is neg, then
the screening test was a false pos.

[ohboy2010]

if you are positive for antibodies only do yo still  have to take precautions like you had it..

everything else is negative...  what about hep c and dry mouth