Hi all
I got my test results for hcv antibody test. It came back negative. How sensitive is the test?
If they sent it to Lab Corp, you can sign up thru their Beacon and they will inform you as soon as your do gets them. I have Health Vault and all participants send all info to my vault and I see them as soon as the results are reported.
My non medical opinion
Questions to ask How long is the usual time for getting the results. If my blood shows positive for HCV antibodies does the lab also test for HCV RNA with same blood sample? If so does that increase the wait time for results?
Best wishes.
http://www.hepatitisc.uw.edu/go/screening-diagnosis/diagnostic-testing/core-concept/all#hcv-testing-sequence
Reflexive HCV RNA Testing with Positive Initial HCV EIA: Ideally, samples that test positive with a laboratory-conducted HCV antibody assay would then undergo reflexive HCV RNA testing using the same patient blood sample. Some laboratories now offer reflexive HCV RNA testing on HCV antibody-positive samples. Other less efficient approaches for follow-up HCV RNA testing include (1) collecting two separate venipuncture samples at the initial blood draw (with the option of ordering the HCV RNA test if the antibody test is positive) or (2) having the patient return for another venipuncture after receiving a positive antibody test result. From a practical standpoint, it is clearly preferable to have the laboratory reflexively perform the HCV RNA testing for positive HCV EIA tests utilizing the same blood sample.
With me they did the first test see if I tested positive for hcv antibody, then once that happened they sent the sample on for viral load/genotype test, that takes about 2 weeks normally. If there is no virus detected it comes back sooner, about a week. Good luck. The other cbc blood tests can be done very quickly, in a couple hours if done stat.
I would expect your doctor has. The test is needed to confirm you do or do not have Hep C.
My Dr ordered just hcv anti-body. Does that also include hcv RNA test?
The HCV RNA (viral load) test takes a bit. I always think it takes a long time.
Be patient ... it will be here any day.
I called the Dr office and left a message. No response yet. Is it possible that the lab test is bad but the Dr office does not notify the patient? That would be irresponsive.
Excellent thing to do! Good luck.
Many thanks Pat for the great response. My tests were just anti_hcv and HB tests to identify the source of the fatty liver. I do not think it was a complicated one. I read online that there are rapid ant_hcv tests with the results within an hour.
I will check with the Dr office on Monday.
Many hepc tests are 'normal' blood panels, and only take a couple or 3 days. The Viral Load test, AFP (a tumor marker test used on those of us w/ F3 Fibrosis or Cirrhosis), and genotype takes about 12 days to 2 weeks, UNLESS you are tested at a transplant hospital, where they have all that done in-house, then the time is about the same as other Labs, to the best of my knowledge.
MY Gt, VL and AFP tests have to go from FL to Calif then be processed and the results returned - the 12 days to 2 weeks catagory.
Why not call the Lab where your blood was drawn and ask them that question.
Might also ask them if that have one of those programs where you can sign up, and go in and access your own labs as soon as the Dr's office can. there are places where patients get their Lab results so fast, that way. My Lab doesn't have it yet - or my Dr's Office either. Oh, well. They are good about letting me pick up a copy as soon as they have it even if it is before my appt, for which I am very grateful. Some Dr's offices won't even do that, til you see the Dr.
Good luck and blessings,
Pat