Hepatits c

[rolarida7]

Can pcr RNA test for hepatits c be a false positive?

[Bali05]

Yes , a  HCV RNA PCR  can  produce a false positive.
It is very rare and if it happens it is mostly because
of contamination of the blood sample.
Some tests are said to be more prone for that
than others. My hepatologist when running
the Quest TMA (aka Heptimax) used to always run another PCR
test simultaneously confirm. Particularly at beginning of tx
when determining time of first UND is so important.

b

[dontworry_behappy1]

If you have tested positive for Hepatitis C then you will need to get a Hepatitis C viral load test.  Ask your doctor first if the test was preformed.  If not test
yet for viral load...get the test.  This will confirm if you have cleared HCV or
not.  If you have a viral load number...then it's confirmed you have Hepatitis C.  
Best to You

[rolarida7]

Thank you . Do they need another blood specimen then, or do they do it from the same one ?

[dontworry_behappy1]

You can test positive and been one of the 20 percent who clear the virus on their own.  You would test positive even tho you don't have hepatitis C if this
was the case.  The only way to tell for sure is get a Hepatitis C viral load test.
Best to You

[dontworry_behappy1]

Go back to the front page of the Hepatitis C Community.  scroll down to the bottom of the page.  You will see a link to the Hepatitis C acronyms.
Best to You

[deidrewan]

I am curious to what the initials stand for. I am relatively new to abbreviations.