My bloodwork came back reactive, need some insight

[flwm2]

My blood test came back reactive. HCV Ratio of 1.27 H. They have referred me to a gastroenterologist, btu they are closed until tomorrow, and I am kind of scared. Can anyone provide some insight on that HCV ratio? I cant find much information on it. I know it is fairly low, but I am still reactive. Thank you.

[flwm2]

Thank you both. Seeing a gastroenterologist today.

[Dee1956]

Hello, I just want to stop by and say that until you have all the information try not to worry.  Until you have a geno type and a viral load your body could have fought it off.  I pray that you will be negative.  Cean has given you excellent advice, she is very kind
I wish the best for you
Dee

[ceanothus]

The flowing is copied from the Mayo Clinics website:

"Reactive hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody screening results with signal-to-cutoff (S/CO) ratios of  or =8.0 are highly predictive (> or =95% probability) of the true anti-HCV status, but additional testing is needed to differentiate between past (resolved) and chronic hepatitis C."

To put it in layperson's terms, you were given an antibody test, which looks for HCV antibodies. Anyone who has ever been exposed to HCV will always have antibodies, even if they have eliminated the active virus. Approximately 20% of those exposed are able to fight it off with their own immune systems , and they will have only the antibody but not the virus. The cutoff level to be definitely positive for the antibody is a level of 8 or higher. Since yours came back so much lower than that there is a very good chance that it was a false positive, and that you haven't even been exposed. If it turns out to be truly positive you still have about a 20% chance of not having the actual virus. To know the truth of the matter for certain you should ask for an HCV PCR test. This more sensitive test looks for and counts the actual particles of HCV RNA in your blood. If it is undetectable you do not have HCV, if it is detectable at any level then you do have it. The test can be ordered by any doctor, and if you are negative on it then there is no need to see a gastroenterologist unless you have other reasons.