Hepatitis C When should I try to get a definite answer?

[Amirsaraf]

I was wondering if the simultaneous exposure of HIV to the virus and the hepatitis virus would delay the production of antibodies in the blood, how long does it take to find out in a test?

[flyinlynn]

I am not familiar with the combi pt ecl test that as far as I know is not actest for hepatitis C. The test for hepatitis C is the hepatitis C antibody test. Are you asking about a different form of hepatitis like hepatitis A or hepatitis B?

The test for hepatitis C antibodies unless your immune system is compromised is definitive after 12 weeks.

For questions about HIV ask in that forum. For other forms of hepatitis ask in the associated forum.

Or for an answer from a medical professional as opposed to lay persons with no medical training ask your personal doctor.

[flyinlynn]

Which hepatitis are you asking about? This is the hepatitis C forum. I see your other question was about hepatitis A

[flyinlynn]

As far as hepatitis C if you have AIDS or if your immune system is otherwise compromised then it can take up to 6 months for enough hepatitis c antibodies to develop to detectable levels.

But if you were infected simultaneously your immune system would not be impaired by HIV that quickly so it should take the normal 12 weeks for hepatitis c antibodies to achieve detectable levels.

Hepatitis C is a blood borne virus. Hepatitis C infected blood must enter the blood stream of an uninfected person. Most common means of transmission is through sharing of IV drug needles, having medical procedures performed by unlicensed facilities, receiving a blood transmission prior to 1990 when hepatitis c antibody testing was developed and uses to secure the blood supply. Being borne to a mother infected with hep c is about a 5 percent risk.

[Amirsaraf]

So, the combi pt ecl test for both the AIDS virus and the hepatitis virus after 90 days is definitive?

[flyinlynn]

Ok so I just looked up the combi pt test it is a test for HIV only

“With the Elecsys® HIV combi PT assay the HIV-1 p24 antigen and antibodies to HIV-1 and HIV-2 can be detected simultaneously within one determination
This results in improved sensitivity and a shorter diagnostic window compared to anti-HIV assays
The assay uses recombinant antigens derived from the env- and pol-region and Reverse transcriptase of HIV-1 (including group O) and HIV-2 to determine HIV-specific antibodies
Specific monoclonal antibodies are used for the detection of HIV-1 p24 antigen – including an automated sample pretreatment step with incubation with a detergent agent in order to lyse HIV virions and maximize exposure of the HIV p24 antigen to increase sensitivity”

[flyinlynn]

“The window period is time between potential exposure to HIV infection and the point when the test will give an accurate result. During the window period a person can be infected with HIV and be very infectious but still test HIV negative. The window period for a 4th generation antigen/antibody test is four weeks.”

[Amirsaraf]

Well, I did the test after 70 days, and I thought that if both of the viruses were simultaneously entered into my body, it would be possible to delay the production of antibodies for both viruses, or because I screwed up the window and tested negative, the answer is correct, and I I have no hiv?

[Amirsaraf]

Well, I did the test after 70 days, and I thought that if both of the viruses were simultaneously entered into my body, it would be possible to delay the production of antibodies for both viruses, or because I screwed up the window and tested negative, the answer is correct, and I I have no hiv?

[flyinlynn]

The window means that if you test after four weeks the results are valid. You can’t test sooner than 4 weeks after a potential exposure and be sure of your results.

If you took the HIV test four weeks or later after exposure and the results was negative you do not have HIV. I recommend you confirm this with a doctor. I am a mechanic.

Hepatitis C infection cannot impact HIV test results. If you have HIV and are exposed to hepatitis C, and because of being HIV infected your immune system is compromised, it will take longer to develop antibodies against the hepatitis C virus. It can take as long as 6 months for enough hepatitis C antibodies to develop if you have HIV/AIDS and are immune compromised.

You did not test for hepatitis A or hepatitis B or hepatitis C. The test you took was only for HIV not any form of hepatitis.

If you are concerned about contracting any form of hepatitis you will need additional testing for those viruses.

I am not a medical professional of any kind. I am simply a patient who was infected with hepatitis C for many years. I cannot offer any informed medical advice or opinion.

For medical advice you should speak with a medical professional.

[willbb]

Excellent response Lynn

“I recommend you confirm this with a doctor. I am a mechanic “

Lol

[flyinlynn]

Well I am I can fix your brakes and rotate your tires lol

[willbb]

Oh I believe you just struck me as funny the way you said it

[flyinlynn]

;-)