Lab test

[jp225]

Hi
I have had Hep C for over 10+ years. I was wnet through the full treatment (with positive results) I get blood work done every year now and I just got my labs back today. My primary doctor (new one...do to insurance change) said that she is requesting a referal ASAP. OK...with that said...the test have changed and I need help reading and understanding them! Please reply...Thanks JP
HCV lgG Antibodies
HCV igG AB S/Co Ratio >11.0 REACTIVE
Specimen is highly reactive

[jp225]

Thanks for your reply...I finnally got my refferal to my doctor and they took 6-tubs of blood to check for everything! The doctor seems to think that I have nothing to worry about! As I have been clean and sober for almost 20-years now and have done nothing to become re-infected!
Thanks again and I will will post when I get those test back!

[Dennisdrl1]

If you achieved a sustained viral response (PCR negative six months following the end of treatment) the odds of successfully clearing the virus is 98%; 100% at two years.  The HCV antibody remains positive for a long time and does not indicate a relapse.  However, if you engage in risky behavior it is possible to become infected with a different strain of HCV.

[Bill1954]

Exactly.
]
Once a person is infected with a virus, they continue to carry the antibodies; often for life. If you had a case of say, flu in the past, you’ll now have antibodies to that flu virus. Same with childhood diseases like chicken pox or measles; you’ll carry antibodies for those now, although you’re no longer infected with the actual disease.

Antibodies are a product of our own immune response; they are like viral ‘fingerprints’ and help alert our immune defenses if we’re ever exposed to that disease again. They’re not something we catch; our bodies make them naturally, and they’re not harmful to us.

Good luck-

Bill

[jp225]

Ok...Thanks for your reply and I think I understand...I will just have to wait for the the PCR test and see were my levels are at.
JP

[Bill1954]

The 11.0 s/co result has no bearing on active Hep C  infection. This is an antibody result, and implies infection at some point of time in the past.

Jp- don’t worry about the antibody result; don’t give it another thought, other than don’t bother taking another test like this; it will likely be elevated for as long as you live. It does NOT measure virus; the ‘HCV PCR by RNA’ test will do that, if you have any doubts as to your current status.

I’m not sure how else to explain this; maybe someone else can try a different tact?

Good luck-

Bill

[jp225]

Hi...Thanks for your reply! It is sooooo nice to know that I am not the only one with this situation! I am now awaiting a referal to see a specialist. I too had a  doctor for over 20-years and my insurance change and I now have NEW doctors! I called for my medical records, but it had been over 10-years and they no longer have them! So here I go again!
Enough about me...how did your ultrasound go??? If I may ask...what is your levels now? I don't understand mine at all... It shows >11.0 I asked my new doctor what level that meant ans she said she did not know and put in for a specialist asap. I wish some one could help me out and tell me waht that level is! As I wait for the referal!
I hope that all will go well for you! Are you ging to start treatment?
OK...thanks for chatting!

[jp225]

Thanks for your reply on my question regarding my (>11.0, reactive) I how ever have been clean and sober for over 19-years now and have not done any kind of IV use! However my number is showing >11.0! I just don't understand if I went through treatment over ten years ago with positve results, why am I testing so high now!
Question...how high is >11.0?????
Thanks for your reply and help!

[VickieJ]

Hi - same thing happened to me. In July my insurance changed, so got new doctors, new blood tests, etc.  My Hep was diagnosed about 15 years ago and previous doctor said it was dormant and I tested every 6 months. I monitored all levels. NOW, new doc had me into liver specialist, ultrasound on liver and wanted me in treatment last month!. New #'s??  I don't know - not ready for treatment - have other family problems right now and don't feel "sick" = just TIRED which is nothing new. Any news on "new number levels" would be good, eh? :)  

[Bill1954]

The PCR test NyGirl mentioned is the ‘HCV RNA by PCR’ test; it checks for presence of actual virus, rather than indirectly via antibody testing.

If you treated previously for HCV, in the future further antibody testing isn’t required; you will always receive positive antibody results. And a high signal to cut off ratio (>11.0, reactive) will also likely be expected; it was indeed a previous true positive antibody result, after all.

If you previously treated successfully for HCV with interferon/ribavirin, you’re disease will not return. Unless, as NyGirl mentioned, reinfection occurs. This would be from a new source, and likely a result of engaging in risky lifestyle behavior including IV drug use, etc. The old infection will not ‘arise’ again, assuming you treated successfully in the past.

Good luck and take care-

Bill

[jp225]

What is PCR again???
Thanks :-) Also... how does a person get reinfected???

[nygirl7]

You have hepc antibodies for certain but if you treated the disease years ago you will always have them even if you are now undetectible.

But that said that number appears to be very high to me, I would definitely get a new PCR just because you treated does not mean you cannot be reinfected.