Tranmission via blood

[Steve1972]

I have been reading a lot about transmission of HIV via blood - in essence for transmission to occur blood to blood needs to be present (a full open running wound or gash).

My question is regarding HEP C Transmission.   Is it the same for HEPC? That you need an open wound for the transmission of blood to blood?

If a person I cracked skin and that possibly came in contact with a very small amount of blood is that a HEP C transmission risk?  (deep Cracked - read and tender)- but not bleeding or bloodied? (when pressing against a white cloth nothing comes off it).

Thank you in advance for your input.

[Trinity4]

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 June.
That is the standard Steve, but I have read where within 2 wks the antibodies are present.  If you thinking about testing, I would wait a little while longer -  at least 6 wks.

[Steve1972]

Is that 2 weeks to generate, is it antibodies to the hepatits C virus? (for a blood test to be done?)

[Trinity4]

2 wks

[Steve1972]

With HCV what is the delay time after exposure before testing can be commenced?

[Steve1972]

Thank you for your response.

Am I right then that provided the cracked skin was not bleeding (or even weeping) at all there is limited risk?

[nomadjohn]

HCV is a blood bourne virus, a nano virus. You need contaminated blood to get into your blood, there are many transmisson routes, sharing toothbrushes, sharing razors, sharing a coke or snorting straw, blood transfusions, tatoos, unsterile surgical instruments, ear peiercing etc etc.... being a nano virus means it is miniscule and not visible to the human eye but again it has to get into your bllod stream....where blood to blood contact is possible there is a risk.