Consistent low s/co, but RIBA negative

[lving4today]

about 2 years ago I was tested at a clinic for STDs including hep c. The s/co came back 1.50 and it was sent for the confirmatory test RIBA which came back negative. A few months later I got antibody tested again and once more came back 1.50. I've had a couple more and they've all been 1.50 give or take .10. I haven't had any other supplemental testing, but can anyone explain why my antibody shows up just .50 above the cut off for negative?

My GI doctor told me that sometimes flu shots (which I get yearly) can be mistaken or other proteins, but I haven't read or found any information on this.

This just still to this day worries me. Really makes my hypochondria so much better -_-

[lving4today]

Phew, thanks guys!

[willbb]

Yes with the neg Riba...as your specialist advised..you are all good to go...Enjoy!

Will

[lving4today]

Alright thanks guys. An infection specialist said there was no need to get further testing with one negative RIBA. But even with 3 antibody tests that showed up with 1.5 s/co?

[Jakied]

Will is 100% correct.  the screening test is very SENSITIVE and can cross react with other

antibodies to show a 'false pos' reading.  the Riba is very SPECIFIC for Hcv antibody.  If

your Riba is neg, then your immune system has not made antibody to Hcv and your

worries are over.

[willbb]

Hi there...in all likely hood these  positive antibody tests were false positives as the RIBA came back neg. The Riba is very specific for HCV antibodies.

These antibody tests are very sensitive and you could have had a cross reaction with another antibody.

with the Riba neg..you do not have HCV

Best to you...

Will