Aa
Hep c ????
I recently had blood work done for a pregnancy that ended in miscariage. At a follow up appointment my dotor told me I tested positive for HCV. I couldn't think of any possible way that I was expose so they decided to do more testing. I had a quantatative test done and everything came back negative. Now the health department is doing a RIBA test to see if the anitbodies were really there in the first place. My question is, has anyone been through this rollercoaster and what are my chances of actually comming back positive. I am very low risk. I guess I am just looking for some support.
Thank you
Thank you
Thank you for your quick response. I am learning more and more that there is no simple answer. I am not sure how sensitive the test was. I really don't know much about any of the tests except what I have researched on the web. I will take your suggestion to see a Liver specialist. I think thats the best thing to do right now. You realy did make me feel a lot better, thank you.
Misty
Misty
They probably won't find any antibodies with the more accurate riba. If they do, still doesn't mean you have Hep C, because a certain percent of people clear the virus naturally but still carry the antibodies. These people are not considered as having Hepatitis C.
In other words, go with the viral load (quantitative) results, not the antibody results -- the exception being if you are in the acute stage where you could be riba antibody positive and virus negative but still have Hep C. The other possibility is that you have Hep C but are under the detection limit of the test used. Do you know how sensitive the quantitative was? Ideally it should be down to at least 50 IU/ml, preferably to 10 or 5 IU.ml.
So you see, it's not a simple answer. That's why the best thing is for you to see a liver specialist (hepatologist) who can look at both you and all the test results and come up with a proper diagnosis.
Sounds to me like you have nothing to worry about, but none of us here are doctors.
All the best,
-- Jim
In other words, go with the viral load (quantitative) results, not the antibody results -- the exception being if you are in the acute stage where you could be riba antibody positive and virus negative but still have Hep C. The other possibility is that you have Hep C but are under the detection limit of the test used. Do you know how sensitive the quantitative was? Ideally it should be down to at least 50 IU/ml, preferably to 10 or 5 IU.ml.
So you see, it's not a simple answer. That's why the best thing is for you to see a liver specialist (hepatologist) who can look at both you and all the test results and come up with a proper diagnosis.
Sounds to me like you have nothing to worry about, but none of us here are doctors.
All the best,
-- Jim
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