Best Tests for Earliest Detection of Hep C and B?

[vortavor]

Could someone please tell me what the best possible tests you can have for earliest detection of exposure of Hep B and C.  I'm so confused by what is out there.  I'm willing to pay out-of-pocket for some of the tests available online through a lab but I don't know what choice to make.

I have been having consistent Hep B and C Antibody tests, all negative but I've had some pain in my liver and had a CMP panel come up with all high-normal levels on total Bilirubin 1.0 , AST 40 and ALT 70 and i'm concerned about possible exposure to Hep B or C through sexual contact.

I am quite overweight and a recent ultrasound showed that I do have somewhat of a fatty liver but that is it.  No gallstones or swollen liver or anything abnormal other then some fatty liver,  No jaundice or anything else.  Just little stabbing pains occasionally that are intermittent.

I've seen Hepatitis B PCR Quantitative, Hepatitis B PCR Qualitative, Hepatitis C RNA PCR Qualitative.  I don't have a clue which of these tests is best.  I'd like to do them right away to get some peace of mind about what is going on.  Any information would really help!

[Abibliophile31]

From my understanding, the PCR Qualitative is the gold standard because it can detect the smallest amount of the virus in the bloodstream.  The Quantitative is only useful if you have previously been diagnosed via antibody testing because it gives you a viral load.  

[flyinlynn]

You have added comments to a post which is more than six years old.

[Abibliophile31]

I understand but I came across this site through search engine optimization with applicable key words.  Although my post is unlikely to help the OP, it can give reassurance for future seekers.

[hrsepwrguy]

Follow the link and read the proper testing procedure and lenght of time needed for conclusive results depending on which test you had ran.

http://www.aafp.org/afp/1999/0101/p79.html

[vortavor]

How early should I comprehensively be able to detect if I've already had some pain and my exposure could be as short as 5 weeks

[EyesofBlue55]

quit worrying-you dont have hep c .If the antibody test is negative thats the end of it.Discuss other reasons for your pain with your dr.If your having right sided pain could possibly be your gall bladder.the gold standard test for gall bladder problems is a Hida-Scan not an ultrasound.I had 3 tests on my gall bladder that turned up negative.The hida scan showed the problem.cindy

[suezeeque]

If the antibody tests are negative you don't have HCV.  No other test is necessary.  Something else is causing your pain.  Possibly the fatty liver.  Has your doctor suggested losing weight and improving your diet?  

Also, HCV is not a sexually transmitted disease.