Regarding test results.

[painterman40]

Hi, I had an initial screening which I tested positive reactive with an antibody level of 1.2, s/co 1.0, so barely positive.

I then had another test but I am not really sure what it means, I was hoping you guys could tell me about it,

HEPATITIS C VIRAL RNA, PCR QUANTITATIVE
  HCV RNA PCR, QUANT.                  <43 NEG
  LOG RCV RNA PRC, QT                  <1.63 NEG
                                                  RCV RNA not detected

So it says that I do not have the virus but what do these numbers mean? I'm guessing its possible that the virus could be in such low levels but extremely extremely unlikely? I assume I am completely fine but the physician's assistant told me that I should get it tested again in 4-6 months. Do you guys think I need to be ever tested again for this?

[painterman40]

thank you

[can-do-man]

As always will is correct

[willbb]

so there was low levels of the virus detected ?
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HEPATITIS C VIRAL RNA, PCR QUANTITATIVE
  HCV RNA PCR, QUANT.                  <43 NEG
  LOG RCV RNA PRC, QT                  <1.63 NEG
                                                  RCV RNA not detected

No........ that test above you had has  asensitivity of 43.  they found no virus ( It statesd Not Detected) to the sensitivity of the test meaning you  do not have HCV

The postive  antibodies  test was more than likely a "false positive" as I mentioned in my prev. post .as this test is very sensitive to other antibodies we have so sometimes they cross react .

The PCR is definitive.

again...you do not have HCV and there is no need for further testing...

best to you......

Will

[painterman40]

i don't understand, so there was low levels of the virus detected? or were the levels so low, or do I just not have it? why do I need to be tested again?

[Advocate1955]

willbb is correct.  You do not have Hep C.  The other numbers are the lower end of quantification for the particular test your lab used.  Under that number, if Hep C RNA is detected, it cannot be quantified on that test.  However, Hep C RNA was not detected in your bloodstream.
Advocate1955

[willbb]

The labs really are somewhat confusing .even I find to many of the doctors treating us.

Hope all is well with you...

Will

[Kristina538]

Thanks willbb - I had this result on my 4-week PCR and it generated some debate on the forum.    You are right that it is not detected to the sensitivity of the test, and I note on painterman's test it does say 'RNA not detected' which it didn't say on mine.   My confusion was that at the end of tx I did get a 'not detected' result.

Sorry if I put you wrong Painterman44 - My doctor was ecstatic when I got this result., and I'm sure your doctor is just advising a second test after seeing that you have been exposed at some stage.  If you were positive, I'm sure detection would have been found, as a true viral load does not sit lower than this test result.

[willbb]

Kristina is correct in what she says in regards to why the "antibodies test" showed a  "low"reaction"  in that you may have been  exposed to the virus and your body's own immune system cleared the virus or most likely  this was a "false positive result.

However  her indication that you have been found to be "virus Detected by the follow up PCR test is incorrect.

That test says you have  no virus detectable to the sensitivity of the test (<43) thereforey ou do not have HCV

Best to you..

Will

[Kristina538]

The virus has been detected, but at less than what the test can qualify, and is a test result frequently seen by members who are on treatment and managing to kill the virus.

From my knowledge, unlike other Hep Viruses, the antibody test will show positive, even though a person is cured and has an undetectable PCR result.    It could mean that you've been exposed and either it hasn't taken hold, or your body is ridding itself (there have been spontaneous remissions after exposure).   It could also be a 'false positive'.   All reasons for your doctor wanting to 'wait and see'.  

I would definitely have the test again   (I'd probably want another in a month, but a doctor may not agree).   Hopefully the next one is clear, and while I'm sure you don't want to acknowledge the possibility of having this (been there), you won't rest easy until you're sure.

[painterman40]

lol, the RCV was a typo, it was supposed to say HCV

[ceanothus]

Oh boy, I've finally figured out how to read the results from the lab that tests my blood, but then it seems like every other lab writes different things. I hope one of our moe expert members comes along soon. I'm accustomed to the words "HCV RNA not detected" meaning you do not have the virus and there would be no reason to retest unless there was a new exposure risk. Did your results actually say "HCV RNA not detected"?  You typed in RCV RNA, which I googled and it came up as Rat Coronovirus, which I doubt you have. I'm also totally unclear about a log result showing up on a report along with the words "not detected". Again, I hope someone else comes along who can answer this better than I can!