Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

I need help understanding this results..

I did an std lab and hepatitis C was included. Well it came out positive so I had to get further testing to make sure.  They did the HCV RNA Quantitative and it came out non-reactive.. I need further explanation about this.  Should I worry? Should I test again? Can this be other types of hepatitis and this is why is making me positive?  
I really will appreciate if someone can explain this to me.
The physician told me to not worry about it... But I am.
3 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
683231 tn?1467323017
“They did the HCV RNA Quantitative and it came out non-reactive.. I need further explanation about this. “

“Should I worry?”
No

“Should I test again?”
No

“Can this be other types of hepatitis and this is why is making me positive?”
No

“The physician told me to not worry about it..”
Your doctor is correct you have nothing to worry about regarding hepatitis C

“But I am.”
Stop worrying, you don’t have hep c
Helpful - 0
683231 tn?1467323017
The first way to check for the infection is a blood test for the hepatitis C antibody. Your body makes this when it’s infected with the virus.

The antibody test isn't perfect. It may show a hepatitis C infection when you don’t have one. It could be positive even if you had it in the past and your body cleared the infection.

If the antibody test is positive, your doctor will do a HCV RNA by PCR test. It looks for the genetic material of the hepatitis C virus living in your body.

If the HCV RNA by PCR test doesn’t find anything, you might have had hepatitis C in the past and your body cleared it.

Bottom line if you test not detected on the HCV RNA test you do not have hepatitis C. You may have been exposed to hep c in the past that is why you test positive for antibodies.

You will always test positive for antibodies against the hep c virus but as long as your HCV RNA by PCR test is not detected you do not have hep c so have nothing to worry about. There is nothing to be done and no treatment is needed.

Congrats on not being infected.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
<15  and <1.18 not detected
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Hepatitis C Community

Top Hepatitis Answerers
317787 tn?1473358451
DC
683231 tn?1467323017
Auburn, WA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Answer a few simple questions about your Hep C treatment journey.

Those who qualify may receive up to $100 for their time.
Explore More In Our Hep C Learning Center
image description
Learn about this treatable virus.
image description
Getting tested for this viral infection.
image description
3 key steps to getting on treatment.
image description
4 steps to getting on therapy.
image description
What you need to know about Hep C drugs.
image description
How the drugs might affect you.
image description
These tips may up your chances of a cure.
Popular Resources
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.