Hepatitis Forums
Hepatitis C Prevention, Transmission and Testing => Am I Infected? => Topic started by: neibet on April 26, 2015, 04:31:19 pm
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I a bit confused about the test window for heptitis C.
in 2013 I have been tested about 4 months (exactly 19 weeks) after a potential exposure.
The test included HIV and hepatitis C antibodies tests. both tests came negative.
Would you consider those tests conclusive?
2 years later I had a routine blood check and my liver enzymes were quite elevated : AST 56 and ALT 92. All other liver functions were ok. however my blood cholesteral tests were over the normal limit values.
I have read that my AST ALT values could be caused by chronic hepatitis C. could this be my case ? could my high cholesteral levels cause high liver enzymes values ?
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The antibody tests you took in 2013 wold be conclusive.
Given the elevated enzymes, which could be due to a variety of factors i.e., heavy drinking, new medication, bruising and so on, your doctor will probably want to investigate this. A Hep-C antibody would be something that should be checked.
Best wishes, Mike
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Hi Mike,
thank you for your reply, I was checking the forum and I have read that in certain posts they state that HCV Antibody tests are conlcusive at 6 months. My tests taken in 2013 were at 19 weeks, 5 weeks short of the 6 months mark, my ALT when I took the tests was 52 slightly elevated.
how likely is it that I have developped HCV antibodies in the 5 weeks after I have taken the test ?
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Hi Neibet,
It would be highly unlikely that you developed the antibodies in that 5 week window.
For peace of mind, however, you could have another HCV screen completed, which should put this to rest for you.
Best wishes, Mike
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Hi mike.
Can the hcv ab index be interpreted if it is below 1.0
when I had the test the index was at 0, 025 is this considered low ?
Or doesnt it matter at all ?
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It should be OK; but a positive Hep-A/B tests involves a couple of tests and are read together.
I really don't think you have anything to worry about. You can always be retested for piece of mind.
Best wishes, Mike