Could be your friend was exposed to the HepC virus so now every time he tests he will be positive for the antibodies. Bottom line is he could test positive for the antibodies but not have a viral load, so he doesn't have HepC. No viral load, no HepC. Very common.
I think you might be confusing the RIBA test with the viral load test (HCV/RNA). If that test is undetected then you don't have the virus even if you are antibody positive. But the RIBA test is confirmatory. Since it is negative, chances are good the antibody test is a false positive. It is best to recheck it or just do the viral load test, to be sure of the HCV status.
Hello, I am not a doctor however I would say that while the first test he tested positive for exposure; the second test showed he had no viral load (virus level) so that would indicate he does not have it.
But....like a friend of mine was told...it is possible you have just been exposed, come back in 3 to 6 months for a recheck just to make sure.
I hope this helps.
I am sure others will be a long soon to answer.
Take Care, Dee