Hepatitis Forums
Hepatitis C Main Forums => Post Hepatitis C Treatment => Topic started by: Vflowers on December 24, 2014, 05:30:51 pm
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Non-detect after 12 weeks treatment S/O. 12 week post treatment got the result of a strongly reactive hepC antibody. Is this a relapse?
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Hi Vflowers,
You may want to read this:
http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/80190 (http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/80190)
Specifically this part:
Current screening serologic tests to detect HCV antibodies include EIA and chemiluminescence immunoassay. Despite the value of serologic tests to screen for HCV infection, several limitations of serologic testing exist:
-There may be a long delay (up to 6 months) between exposure to the virus and the development of detectable HCV antibodies.
-False-reactive screening test results can occur.
-A reactive screening test result does not distinguish between past (resolved) and chronic HCV infection.
-Serologic tests cannot provide information on clinical response to anti-HCV therapy.
I would want additionally testing if I was you to be sure!
Mel
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I was surprised they ran that test just for that reason & not the SVR. Btw I am doing this for a friend but have been watching the board for a long time to help him. What a great resource. Mel, you are truly an inspiration.
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Hi
The hepatitis c antibody test means you were once exposed to hepatitis c it has no meaning at to your current infected status. Only the HCV DNA test for the virus has meaning.
If you were ever exposed to the hepatitis c virus you will have antibodies to the virus for the rest of your life. Antibodies are produced by the bodies own immune system in its attempt to combat the virus.
If for example you once had or were vaccinated against the measles you will test positive for measles antibodies but not the measles virus.
If you want to check to be sure you are still virus free you need to have the HCV DNA test not the antibody test.
Good luck
Lynn
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Thanks VF, I am still learning so much about this beast. Lynn and Mike and many others have so much more knowledge than I do but I am learning. I get my inspiration from all of them. They have been through the ringer with Interferon more than once I am in awe of their strength and fortitude.
Happy Holidays,
Mel
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Ps SVR means sustained viral response and HCV DNA is looking for hepatitis c virus DNA
Equally surprised they would waste time with antibody test
Good luck to you and your friend
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Hi Vflowers,
I think the lab ran the wrong test or the doctor wrote the order incorrectly.
Specifically, once a person has been exposed to the HCV virus, he or she will always test positive for the antibodies.
Therefore, there was absolutely no need for an HCV antibody test in a person with a known infection, which is why I think it was an error.
Best wishes, Mike
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New lab results. ND@ 12 weeks. The strongly reactive was just as others said! Happy dance!
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New lab results. ND@ 12 weeks. The strongly reactive was just as others said! Happy dance!
Having an over active immune system is not necessarily a bad thing. But one of the biggest problems with long term HCV leading to chronic infection is the tendency for the person over the years to develop non specific immune reactions.
For many, as well as myself, I am certain a hyperactive immune system is a two edged sword in some ways.
I hope to join the list of the ND in a few months and finally be able to live free from the myriad of fears of making mistakes and confusion that plague many with this cruel affliction.
Happy New Year to all here and my sincere regards.
Cheers
Eric
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Here! Here! Eric………...
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Congrats on such good news, and a huge thanks for all the great info from everyone on correct testing! I'll be paying close attention to tests ordered to be sure I'm getting what is really needed. I love these forums and am so grateful to everyone for sharing! ....Islandgirl