Updated Results - Indeterminate HCV Antibody Test, Negative PCR RNA

[cdnab]

Further to my original post (http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Hepatitis-C/Positive-RIBA--Indeterminate-Antibody--Negative-PCR-RNA/show/1473632?personal_page_id=2073532#post_6701118), i have taken a 2nd anti-HCV / PCR RNA test. The results were the same as 1 month ago. I wanted to see if by some chance there might have been an error in the first test. I did ask for a RIBA test but i don't believe that the lab here does that test.

So basically my test results are this to date:
- December 20, 2010   - positive for HCV antibodies (RIBA 3.0 test)
- February 19, 2011     - indeterminate for HCV antibodies (anti-HCV test)
                                 - negative PCR RNA (Cobas Amplicor HCV v2.0 Qualitative) Roche Diagnostics System
- March 18, 2011         - indeterminate for HCV antibodies (anti-HCV test)
                                 - negative PCR RNA (Cobas Amplicor HCV v2.0 Qualitative) Roche Diagnostics System

Overall i believe it is good news but some of the results are a bit confusing. If i tested positive for the RIBA test 3 months ago shouldn't the anti-HCV register a positive result by now? Is there any possibility of an error within the RIBA test?

I ask these questions on this theory. If i had the virus and little immune system response i would see enormous numbers in a very short time. This doesn't seem to be happening or the PCR RNA test would be positive. A PCR RNA test might not be picking up the virus because the amount of virus is tiny. But if i had tiny viral numbers then that would mean my immune system was suppressing the virus, and that should register a strong response with the antibody tests. Someone correct me if i'm wrong.

Can anyone suggest if i should be looking to find a lab that can do a RIBA test to see if the original RIBA test was done correctly?

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

[carol411]

I agree with desrt, you do not have hep c, congratulations.  If I were you, I would forget about it and move on with my life.  The negative PCRs will satisfy your insurance company and further testing will not change the result.  You do not have hep c.  Yay!

[desrt]

"negative PCR RNA" two months in a row would settle it for me. Congratulations.