Hepatitis C Test Results Question

[littlebit1956]

Hi,
    I took a hepatitis C antibody test 8/20/09 My results came in and stated I have the antibodies to hepatitis C with a high signal to cutoff ratio of 4.2
I was told this does not necessarily mean I have hepatitis, but I should definately be tested. My husband has hepatitis C and is now on treatment ( Pegasys and Ribivarin ) he has genotype 1
I was never a IV drug user. Could you tell me a little bit about how I could have maybe been exposed and PLEASE explain to me what 4.2 cut off ratio means. Any good information you can offer me will be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely, Darlene

[PegOnPeg]

Hello, Little One,

Transmission from a dentist is possible when the dentist has not cleaned (sterilized) his tools correctly...the guy in the chair before you is hep c +, dentist uses those same tools on you...viola'....now, you've got it.

I believe that the dentist office is where I became infected. I have never used IV drugs, I have no tattoos, never been to the hospital, but I was shopping around for a dentist in the 70's...I went to maybe 3 plus an oral surgeon.

Ultimately, it doesn't really matter where you got it from...after the shock wears off, you'll need to decide what you want to do to kill the virus.

I'm very sorry to hear of yet another who has tested positive for hcv.

Best of luck to you in the future.
*peg*

[littlebit1956]

One other thing, you mentioned dentist, what exactly did you mean. How would one get it from a dentist? Also; I've been cut into 3 different times from surgeries, is that a possible way also.

Thanks

[jdwithhcv]

While you will never be sure how you became infected, I believe the transfusion is more likely the source than your husband.  I had HCV for almost 30 years and nobody have I lived with (husband, ex husband, several roommates) tested positive for the virus.  In 1972 HCV had not been isolated and consequently the blood supply was not screened.

Sorry to hear your bad news.  As you have seen up close what treatment can do, you must have a pretty good idea what is in store for you if and when you treat.  Best of luck to you and your husband.

jd

[littlebit1956]

Just what I suspected. I had a blood transfusion in 1972 Could I have gotten it so long ago from that? Thank you so much for your reply. Yeah I ain't too happy about this. It's bad enough to have 1 in the family with it, but two!!! I can't really blame him, ya know...

Thank you

[copyman]

Sorry to say that with a 4.2 ratio there is only a 5% chance that you DON''T have HCV. The next step is to confirm with a PCR test.
HCV is transmitted from blood to blood contact.
It is possible that you got it from your husband from sharing toothbrush or razor but highly unlikely from sex. Or a blood transfusion sometime in the past. People have even gotten it from dentists.
At this point it really don't matter how you got it, just be glad you found out so you can treat.
Good luck to you and your husband