Okay, and good luck. Here’s a link to HCV antibody results; they use ‘signal to cut-off ratios’ to help discern between false positive results; they are different for each test protocol. I think this might further reassure you; I can’t cut and paste due to formatting difficulties here:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/c/sc_ratios.htm
Best of luck to you—
Bill
Hello Bill,
First of all, I wanted to tell you thankyou for responding to me. I was very concerned about the way the HCV RATIO had appeared on my lab report and I began to be concerned.
So, the level of 0.12 isn't an indicator of a possibly increasing ratio? That is wonderful. It makes sense to me now.
As for the HIV Prophylaxis, I opted not to get it due to other medical problems and how the side effects of it would interfere with current medications and what not I am taking.
I hope I do not regret my decision, the ER doctor actually suggested I do not receive vaccination due to the resident in which I received the needle-stick injury from. She was an 85 year, CHF patient.
Although, but anything if possible. I am just praying the HIV comes back negative as well.
Again, thankyou.
Melissa
Oops, I might have spoken prematurely when I said “no further action required on your part”. Depending on the time frame of exposure, further serology might required; a test window exists for both HIV and HCV.
Bill
Hi Melissa,
You are not reactive/positive for HCV (Hep C Virus); the results indicate that you haven’t developed antibodies, and most likely were never exposed to this virus. The test doesn’t go to zero; the focus should be on the term ‘non-reactive’. There are no further actions required on your part, IMHO.
Regarding the HBSAB reactive, this probably means that you have developed immunity via vaccine; the full serology report for immunity due to vaccine should read:
HBsAg Negative
anti-HBc Negative
anti-HBs Postive
http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/HBV/HBVfaq.htm
Hopefully they also tested for HIV; and if this was reported as an injury, did they consider Post Exposure Prophylaxis?
Good luck—
Bill