potential false positive hep c antibody test-please help

[amohb]

I just received a positive hep c antibody test. The cut-off was <1.00 and my result was 1.04. I am extremely worried and have taken a quantitative pcr w/rfx test, I'm awaiting the results. My liver enzymes were also elevated (which makes my doc think it is not a false positive) My AST enzymes were at 147 with the range at 10-30. I have read that lifting weights can cause this to rise, and I did lift weights 3 days prior to this test when I hadn't before. Any input on my results? I am going crazy over this. I am a young mom with two boys and ZERO risk factors other than one incident that I will explain below. My doctor told me not to kiss my kids and to use a different toilet which is making me so much worse. The only potential risk factor (which is why I got tested in the first place) was because a vascular surgeon I was going to was injecting the varicose veins on my legs with a needle (called sclerotherapy), accidentally pricked his own finger through his glove, and continued using that needle on me. I am going out of my mind. Any input is sooooo appreciated. Thank you!

[patra_]

Nurses, and other medical persons are NOT allowed to give results.  Only the Drs are - so that they can interpret the data.  (This in spite of the amount of training nurses get in the tests, etc).

However, she told you that IF it had been something urgent they would have gotten a call and then would have called you pcp.  Relax, that a deep breath, exhale, and relax again.  

Blessings,

Pat

[Alexis0321]

Ps if you can't wait for your doctor to come back, maybe you can let them forward the result to your pcp, and after your mind is eased with the result, just fired the hell out of him. Remember you just need him for the "result"

[Alexis0321]

Sorry my English is not really good, but as far as I know, labs and nurses are not allowed to tell test results through phone, they can only be told by the doctor, which has something to do with the regulations, I hope this information helps you

[amohb]

She did say that she can forward the results to my PCP and he could tell me. I want to know what is going on, but I don't like my PCP, and am going to change doctors asap. He has no bedside manner and told me not to talk to the specialist like I am a know-it-all with info I have gathered, and also that my 14 week negative PCR is not conclusive and that I will have to get tested out for HCV for a year. I'd rather not talk to him, since he clearly isn't knowledgeable about HCV, but the anticipation *****. Any advice out there?

[amohb]

I just called the specialist's office for the results of a repeat antibody test, PCR and metabolic panel that I took, and the doctor is out of town and they wouldn't give me the results! So frustrating! I hit the number for the extension for test results and the nurse or assistant that picked up the line said that they have them, and they have been sent to the doctor who is on vacation, and she will review them and call me next week. I have been feeling good about the outcome of all of this, but her not giving me the results makes me feel like they are not good?! Anyone know if nurses, or assistants are allowed to give results? I would think that if all is negative, she would just tell me! She did say that if it was urgent, the lab would call the office so they could notify the primary care doctor, so that could ease my mind a little. I am taking that as her way of indirectly telling me all is okay. l'm not sure if she's allowed to tell me or not? I am going out of town next week, and will be anticipating the phone call.

[amohb]

Thank you for all of the info, I really appreciate it. Your knowledgeable responses have really put me at ease. Thank you.

The specialist I saw a couple weeks ago, gave me a lab slip to re-test for metabolic panel, antibody, and another PCR. She told me to wait a couple weeks, so I am going on Monday, which will be a little over 17 weeks out. I guess she just wants to double check all tests, check my liver enzymes since they were high, or maybe just wants to have all the records in her hands like don't_worrybehappy1 stated above.  I will go since she told me to, but do feel much more confident with your provided info.

All of you knowledgeable, caring people that have taken the time to answer my questions and reassure me, despite my annoying anxiousness... I can't thank you enough. You are all strangers, and it goes to show that there are so many good, caring people in this world. I can't express my gratitude to you. I will pay it forward, and am trying to learn from and find the lesson in this whole thing. I'd hug you all if I could. Thanks again.