Confused told I have Hep C & now not?

[Victorino545]

My first blood test showed I was positive foe Hep C. Test Hepitatis C antibody -recactive. Signal to cut off-value 1.08 normal <1.00. Had to go for another test which doctor is now telling me I might have cured it on my own or test came out wrong. Said they would need to repeat. Not sure what means. My ALT 47 U/L enlarged liver 16.7cm. Does this make since to anyone, now I am confused.
Latest Test: HCV RNA Quantitative Real time  PCR Value <1.18
HCV RNA Not Detected.
REFERENCE RANGE:
          HCV RNA, PCR, QUANT:
          <15 IU/mL
          HCV RNA, PCR, QUANT:
          <1.18 LogIU/mL

[KimInTheForest]

Hi Victorino, and welcome.

The first test you received was testing for antibodies. The fact that it came back positive simply means that at some point in your life your were exposed to Hep C, and your body is now manufacturing antibodies to it. The antibody test does not tell you whether you currently have the Hep C virus in your body. But the second test does (the PCR test). And it appears that you don't actually have the Hep C virus in your body, just antibodies that are produced by your own body. Between 15-25% of people who contract Hep C are able to spontaneously clear it on their own. For the remainder of people, it becomes a chronic infection - but one that can now be cured relatively easily with pills.

So it looks like you may be among that 15-25% who clear it on their own. But I can understand your doctor wanting to repeat the second test (the PCR test) to be double-sure you don't currently have Hep C.

best,
kim

[Lynn K]

You ALT looks to be in normal range to you know the range your lab uses? Do you know your AST result?

But as you have no viral load that is correct you do not current have hep c

[Victorino545]

Thanks ladies, really cleared that up for me. I wish the doctor would have explained that to me when first test came back positive for Hep. I was so worried because she didn't explain about the small percentage that cure it on their own. I am still going follow up with GI (have bowl issues to) and will most likely get a repeat test. Appreciate your help.

[Lynn K]

I would also ask about the enlarged liver comment. It is possible 16.7 cm could be normal for you especially if they don't have a previous ultrasound to compare with

Good luck