Reliability of Tests

[tsmama]

I recently went to my OB for a routine PAP and asked them to also run me for any possible conditions or diseases as I just got divorced.  3 weeks later their office contacted me to say that I had tested positive for hepatitis C.  I do not meet any of the factors that make a person "at risk".  I have only had one sexual partner in my life (my ex-husband who tested negative for Hep C), I have no tattoos, have never used intranasal drug materials, have never experimented with drugs or used needles of any kind.  I did not test positive for the disease 3 years ago when I was pregnant with my daughter.  I have had no surgeries, blood transfusions, etc.  My RNA Quan test came back 2,930,000 but my liver levels are completely normal.

Is there any way these test results are false?  I just don't understand how I could have contracted this virus, have no symptoms, my liver is functioning normally but I'm "severely infected" with no known cause as to how.

[Marc1955]

It's my understanding that the RNA quantitative tests are pretty reliable. Did you have two tests? Often people are tested first for the presence of the HCV antibody, then they have the viral load test. But you should have a second test to confirm, especially because this seems so mysterious.

They say a substantial fraction of people infected with HCV have no idea how they contracted it. If you actually have the virus, you're in that category. It is also mysterious that you tested negative three years ago. That mean the exposure was recent.

You can't take the normal liver functioning tests as being too meaningful. Many people with HCV have normal liver functioning. And that does not mean you do not have to be mindful of the serious potential damage done by this disease. Unfortunately, if you do have HCV, you'll need to have more tests and learn about the manage the disease. And you'll need to consider treatment at some point in the future.

Sorry. It is tough news. Good luck. The way I look at it is that we all have a share of trouble in our life. For some, it happens to be this. Could be worse. Could be better.

[Trinity4]

RNA Quant is pretty conclusive.  You may have been exposed during a routine dental procedure.  Some dental facilities do not practice universal precautions as required.  
Viral load of 2,900,000 doesn't mean you are any more infected than someone with a viral load of 500,000.  You have chronic hepc and there are treatments available if warranted at this time.