misdiagnosis

[isntitironic]

I recently donated plasma and as routine the take a blood sample where it is to be tested for HIV and Hep C. 2 weeks later I recieve a confidential letter in the mail stating my test results came back "reactive". Immediatly alarmed I went to the blood donation center to get counsil and they then told me it was reactive for Hep C. Then urged me to follow up with my doctor. My doctor ran the same test and it to came back "reactive'. Following that lab I did a HCV quantitive and it came back negative, stating I do not in fact have Hep C. Could this be true? Or do I in fact have the disease and it be in the early stages of diagnosis or my test been altered in some way? Ive recently had a Hep B series of vaccinations with the last one ending in May 2009 didnt know if that could have altered test results? Help!

[nygirl7]

It's good news - you will always carry the antibodies but you don't have the disease most likely.

Be happy!

[Bill1954]

The most likely explanation is that approximately 20% of patients exposed to HCV will spontaneously clear the virus *in the acute phase*; this is defined as the initial six months of infection.

The result will be a patient that is HCV antibody positive (reactive), RNA negative, as in your case.

Bill