hep c testing confusion

[smckaley]

Hi,
when is a hep c test conclusive? after very very very high risk....

thank you! please help!

[flyinlynn]

Well actually while the CDC does not consider hep C an STD and does not counsel long term monogamous couples to use barrier protection, i.e. condoms, there is a small risk of sexual transmission of hep c for those with multiple sex partners, those who engage in rough sex practices and in the presence of HIV. For people this applies to there is some risk and they are advised to adopt safe sex practices.

[Kkk670]

Yes I know no doctors here but past doctor mr hunter handsfeild on medhelp said no risk for hep c via sexual exposure .  I can bet my house that she didn't get infected hep c by having sex with her ex . But I hope you were vaccinated for hep b but 12 weeks is enough for hep b test I bet my house on that also !

[smckaley]

Yes I was :(

[smckaley]

:) *

[Kkk670]

A lot of doctors on medhelp say hep c is never sexually trasmitted so I woundnt worry plus hep c has a cure these days also so try to relax . and doctor hunter handsfeild on medhelp Saif no proof of hep c through sex . If that was your risk

[smckaley]

Yes that was my risk! Cheating ex!!

[flyinlynn]

That would be a very low risk.

Hep c is not considered by the CDC in general to be an std primarily for monogamous long term couples. Sorry to hear about your spouses infidelity.

But anyway hep c as far as sexual transmission is a greater risk for those who engage in rough sexual practices or in the presence of hiv.

So basically as I said this is a low risk situation.

But if it will help to ease your mind wait the full 6 months to ensure with little doubt that the test result is valid.

[flyinlynn]

Hey kkk670

No doctors here just patients who were or are infected with hep c. This is primarily an online support group for patients.

[hrsepwrguy]

How soon after exposure to HCV can anti-HCV be detected?

HCV infection can be detected by anti-HCV screening tests (enzyme immunoassay) 4–10 weeks after infection. Anti-HCV can be detected in >97% of persons by 6 months after exposure.

How soon after exposure to HCV can HCV RNA be detected by PCR?

HCV RNA appears in blood and can be detected as early as 2–3 weeks after infection.

https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/HCV/HCVfaq.htm#c5

[smckaley]

So 6 months?

[Clementine02]

The most conclusive way to know in the earliest time frame is the viral load test (HCV/RNA by PCR). That test looks for actual virus rather than just the antibodies. It can be done about 3 weeks post exposure.

[smckaley]

Okay so what is it for an antibody test!?

[flyinlynn]

As above in answer to your question:

HCV infection can be detected by anti-HCV screening tests (enzyme immunoassay) 4–10 weeks after infection. Anti-HCV can be detected in >97% of persons by 6 months after exposure.