Hello - First off, I decided to get a Hep C test done a month ago under the impression that Hep C is an STD. I had had an unprotected sexual experience six months prior to doing the test (and no sexual activity at all in that period). Now, it appears that whether or not it is an STD is still up for debate. Or is it? Or is it not? Or is it? Anyways, I found out I am LOW RISK for Hep C. All of the standard groups of people that should be concerned.....well, I fit absolutely none of those. Secondly, the person I was with had tested negative to Hep C three years prior to our experience (but he has lots of blood issues - not infectious - that's why he had the test) and he, as well, fits none of the at-risk groups. So, where I stand at risk is the possibility that he were infected somehow in that 3 year period and that somehow i could have gotten it sexually from him.
NOW: My test came back indeterminate. EIA was reactive (under 4.2). This was a huge shock for me, as I was expecting a negative. The RIBA was indeterminate. This got me freaked out and so, without the consultation of an infectious disease specialist, started going test-crazy. I went through a tortuous six months after that initial experience worried I had any and everything (HIV came back negative after five months).....so when I get the indeterminate it makes that already paranoid anxiety level get higher. In turn, this makes me want to just get done with all of it. I was informed that "indeterminates" can continue in multiple tests until you find out what's "going on" with your blood. I was also informed of the HCV RNA (or is it PCR? is there a difference?) I was told this would be the sure shot in giving me a definitive, quick, and EXPENSIVE answer. I am told my results should all come in tomorrow.
my question: i have been reading various internet info. on this RNA/PCR stuff and that it is very possible for these to come back as false-positives (especially for low-risk people?) This is disconcerting now.....for one, this test is supposed to be conclusive, right? Second, how could a test which measures a viral load give a false-positive? 0 would mean negative, right?
In my mind, it seems even less likely that I could have gotten Hep C in any way in the past six months and in my whole life.......there seemed more possibility for the HIV despite the sexual partner being recently tested for HIV (negative).....so now that the HIV came back negative, this HEP C seems the LEAST possible. yet, it's that mysterious "INDETERMINATE" which is almost worse......it leads to other questions. Does anyone else out there go back and forth in their minds where they know they have it/know they don't have it?
Sorry for my long message - wanted to let anyone informed know the situation fully if you have any input. I have a feeling now that the RNA would not have been recommended for me from a professional, mainly because I am at such low-risk. I have a feeling I should have done a second antibody test after a while.
So if you can retrieve all my questions from all of this, I would greatly appreciate any feedback.......
thanks!