Test Result Clarification

[dubsj]

Hi everyone,

Just went in to see my doctor for a general checkup and as a result got some  surprising news. I was told I had indeterminate anti-HCV results then sent for more tests as it was explained that those results don't give a conclusive answer either way regarding my HCV status. 

After more tests my results in summary are:

anti-HCV - indeterminate

HCV Viral Load - not detected

HCV (RNA) NAT - not detected

What does this mean? Am I hepatitis C free?

Please help as I am confused and worried.

[Ella]

Looks to me like the follow up tests show no hep c virus detected, which means you are HCV free. Congrats!

[dubsj]

Hi Ella,

Thank you for getting back to me. That is great news and a big relief!!!

[Lynn K]

I am assuming you first had the antibody test which was indeterminate. The test for antibodies only looks for antibodies to the virus which are not the virus antibodies are made by your body in response to coming into contact with the virus.

In your case it was an indeterminant result so your doctor had you get additional testing to find out if you are currently infected with the hep c virus.

So the later test I am assuming was the HCV viral load which was not detected. This means there was no hep c virus detected in your blood which means you do not have a current Hepatitis c virus infection.

Congratulations

[dubsj]

Hi Lynn K,

Thank you for getting back to me very quickly.

Yes that is correct, I had the anti-HCV antibody test done first in addition to all my other blood tests as part of my yearly general check up.

Then due to the anti-HCV indeterminate result, I was sent to do additional HCV testing (HCV RNA VIRAL load, and HCV RNA NAT tests).

I was more concerned with regards to the indeterminate result in conjunction with my HCV RNA results as I had read so many conflicting reports in what it meant online. This caused me lots of stress while I waited for my HCV RNA test results and my doctor didn't give a good explanation at the end of it all, which made me worried.

Thank you for responding.

[gnatcatcher]

Another thing Lynn usually mentions: any future HCV antibody tests you are given are highly unlikely to be negative (the ideal result) -- once the body develops antibodies to HCV, future antibody tests tend to be positive or in your case indeterminate. I say this just so that you won't worry. Unless you engage in behavior that could result in a new HCV infection, you'll stay free of HCV.

Gnatty

[dubsj]

Hi Gnatcatcher,

Thanks for that additional info, it is good to know

[dubsj]

Hello again.

After my hcv testing experience, I have been researching hepatitis C to have a better understanding of the infection.

As such I would like some clarification on a some information I have found. Lots of organizations state that a single negative HCV/PCR test does not rule out an HCV infection, while other organizations state if you have a non detected HCV PCR test you currently do not have an HCV infection. As such should people who have had one negative HCV PCR test get their HCV PCR tested again to confirm the result? ie someone in my position who had an indeterminate anti-hcv and a non detected PCR?

[Lynn K]

Personally I have seen nothing to indicate retesting after a negative HCV RNA by PCR test is warranted. The HCV RNA is by all I have ever read is considered conclusive assuming more  than a few days had passed after a potential exposure.

Not sure where you have seen anything different but all reputable sources I am familiar with say your negative RNA test is conclusive evidence you do not have hep c.

[dubsj]

Hi Lynn,

During my research on various websites, CDC (Centre for disease control), Australian red cross, Canadian centre for disease control etc many state that one negative PCR test does not rule out HCV infection. Where others state that a negative HCV PCR indicates that you do not have a current infection. I guess by learning more it confused me and made me a bit worried.

[Lynn K]

I expect those possible negative results were related to being infected for only just a few days.

If you have concerns you should really discuss it with your personal physician but I seriously doubt you have anything to worry about. 

Ask your doctor about being retested if you want but from what I understand the results are conclusive after just a few days of being infected with hep c.

[Lynn K]

 OK I found this information:

https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hcv/hcvfaq.htm#c6

“How soon after exposure to HCV can HCV RNA be detected by PCR?
HCV RNA appears in blood and can be detected as early as 2–3 weeks after infection.”

So if you were tested sooner than three weeks after exposure you might not have a positive result I think is what you’re reading. But more than three weeks after a possible exposure the results are highly accurate for the HCV RNA by PCR test

[dubsj]

Hi Lynn,

I was tested originally as a baseline screen on my yearly check up when I first found out about my indeterminate anti hcv result which led to follow up HCV PCR testing which was not detected. As such I don't know if I ever was exposed to HCV or if I ever was. I will make an appointment with my doctor and have a chat.

Thank you for your help and input Lynn

[Lynn K]

Always best to speak with a medical expert about a medical question. But as you have no known recent exposures or risk factors I expect your HCV RNA test was valid and you are not infected