hcv

[lambi74]

hello doc
I have the following situation:
I went to a sex worker. before we had sex she shaved me. Perhaps they used their own razor, i'm not sure. she used water and a lot of foam. I think they did not cut me... The next day there was no visible cuts. I guess the razor was not used at least 12 hours or more.
9 weeks after these events, I took a hiv test and HCV. both negative. I know that the HCV test was a little bit to early.

1) how they estimate the risk for HCV one?
    My doctor says: only a theoretical risk, not a practical ... Do you agree?

2) how sure is a HCV antibody test after 9 weeks?

3) Is the blood after 12 hours still infectious?

4) If blood is neutralized by the foam and water?

Thank you for your help ...

[Edward W Hook, MD]

There are numerous variables which influence viral survival.  In your situation, whether 1 hour, 6 hours or 12, the answer is the same, you are not at risk. EWH

[lambi74]

dear mr hook.

thanks for your quick and helpful answer.
The answer has reassured me.
I've thought about it, that the sex worker has hcv and not my predecessors. But the risk is probably identical....

only one question:

-12 hours are only a estimate of me. perhaps it was less. After how many minutes or hours, the virus dies?

-with the low risk and a negative test, would you forget the situation?

Thank you doctor.

best regards

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to the Forum.  I'll make a few comments which I hope you'll find helpful.  Hepatitis C is transmitted by the transfer of infected blood from one person to another.  The virus, like most viruses is disrupted relatively quickly at room temperature to become non-infectious and, more importantly for you, is also even more rapidly inactivated by agents such (shaving) soap.  When people acquire hepatitis C they develop antibodies relatively quickly and while three months is generally mentioned for total confidence in the test, the majority of infections are detectable within a month or two.  Thus, in answer to your questions:

1.  I agree with your doctor, the risk is theoretical at most and if the razor was not used for over 12 hours, the chance of your getting infected, in the unlikely circumstance that the person shaved before had hepatitis C is virtually zero.

2.  See above.  I do not have precise figures.

3.  No

4.  Yes

I hope these answers are helpful to you. Take care. EWH