Testing

[Scared1224]

I got tested for hep c in September, it was negative. I got tested again on December 4th (antibody test both times) the December 4th came back positive. They did the quantity test and my results of that on December 8th were negative. No hep c in my blood. This was a few days short of last possible expose (risk was only sexual) was a few days shy of 9 weeks. Should I trust the last test? Dr said 99% chance it was a false positive and I don't have it but wanted to check again in 6 months to make sure.

[Livelife777]

Hi Scared.  I know how confusing all of this can be.
I've read everything that you've shared and understand your concerns.
You do NOT have Hep C.
No worries or need to retest.
Best to you
.....Kim

[flyinlynn]

The antibody test only means you were exposed.

The HCV RNA test showns if you have a current active virul infection. If it is negative you do NOT have hepatitis c that test is difinitive.

Good luck and go forward in continued good health

[Scared1224]

I have seen on here where people are told to get retested after they have a positive and negative test. I don't need counseling, I have a child I have to worry about. Thank you though!

[flyinlynn]

As IJustDontKnow told you on January 14th if you test negative for the virus on the HCV RNA test (the viral load test)

YOU DO NOT HAVE HEP C

Perhaps you could find more help in the anxiety community

http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Anxiety/show/71

They maybe able to help you with your worry about things that have already been proven by testing to not be an issue for you.

Or perhaps you could see a counselor about your anxiety rather than your doctor to test and retest for illnesses you have been proven you do not have.

Best of luck I hope you find the help you need
Lynn

[Scared1224]

Do you think it could be a false positive? Also I just got another viral load test done.. If negative can I put this behind me and move on??

[AWorriedMom]

That is a low signal to cutoff result. There is no need to test again if your RNA test was undetected at almost 9 weeks. False positives on the RNA are possible but false negatives are extremely unlikely.

[Scared1224]

My dr has been very rude about me wanting another test and said he was only putting another test in for the viral load.. Will that be okay?

[cakes8267]

get tested again

[Scared1224]

I'm still worried about this. Does anyone suggest I retest? I'm scared that maybe it's a lab mistake or something. I did find out my signal to cut off for my hep c antibody test was 2.03.. Is that high? Or could that be a false positive?

[Scared1224]

Thank you soooo much!! Such a relief!!!

[ijustdontknow2]

Then you don't have Hep C, it just means at one time you were exposed to it and your body cleared the virus on it's own it happens to about approx 15-20% of people with Hep C.  I don't think you have anything to worry about.

[Scared1224]

He did. I had a hep c virus RNA, quant,pcr, serum or plasma (name of test) done and that was negative!

[ijustdontknow2]

"In most infected people, the antibodies will show up in the blood within six weeks to 3 months. But in some people, it might take up to six months. This is important because the test cannot detect recent infections. For example, if you became infected in January, you may not test positive until July"

It very well could be s false positive or the virus may have just taken some time to show up in your bloodstream.  I'm surprised your doctor didn't suggest a second test to see if you currently have a active virus, a HCV RNA test.

Jaime

[Scared1224]

Can anyone help??