Test Results after completing successful treatment

[Amber1430]

I have a question I was hoping someone could help me with.  I was diagnosed with Hep C back in March 2008.  I successfully cleared the virus and completed my treatment in November of 2008.  I have continued to get a Hep C test done every year with good results.  However, I just heard back from the lab today that I had a positive Hep C result, but the quantitative results showed no detectable amounts.  Can someone please explain what this means?  Did the 1st test show positive because I have previously had the infection, or because it the virus is back?  I am very scared and confused because I have 4 children.  Although I have continued to be careful with open wounds, I was not as diligent as I was when I had an active infection.  Thank you to anyone who can help.

[FlGuy]

They probably did the wrong test.  Actually, one correct one and one incorrect one for your situation.  The incorrect one was probably an antibody test (you will always test positive for the antibodies).  The correct one was some sort of viral load test, evidenced by the "not detectable" result.  I think there's nothing to worry about but foloowing up and getting a copy of the results is a good thing to do.  By the way, and assuming non detectable, there's really no reason to have annual tests.

[lapis]

If it's not too far to drive, show up in person and ask for a copy of your results.  They can't refuse you.  Maybe it's the faxing they're objecting to, since the information is protected by HIPAA and they cannot verify it's you over the phone.  Good luck, let us know what you find out.  

Lapis

[Amber1430]

Thank you so much for replying.  I tried to get the dr to fax me a copy of the results, but said they could only fax them to my Primary Care Dr.  Ridiculous, huh?  It was my blood!!!  Waiting to hear from my PCP, but the wait is killing me!  I will copy the post to the other forum.. Thanks again, Amber

[scoleman]

Of course you're confused and scared but you've walked through this before.  Take a deep breath and take some action, that always makes me feel better.  

Did you get a copy of your lab results?  If you did, please post what they said.  It could be that the first test was an antibody test but that's unlikely.  Your doctor should know your history and that you'd test positive for antibodies.  It would be a useless test to run on you.  

If it was me, I would find out what the sensitivity of the PCR test is and I would have another PCR test done verify the results.  

It's a good idea to take precautions to prevent transmission, just in case.

Please let us know what happens.  You may want to post on the HepC side of the forum to get more feedback.  The social site doesn't get as much activity.  

Take care, Sherry