antibody test window for hepatitis C

[neibet]

 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 ?


 

[Mike]

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

[neibet]

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 ?

[Mike]

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

[neibet]

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 ?

[Mike]

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