Hepatitis C Antibody Window Period Confusion

[worried@35]

Hi All,

Can you please inform me about Hepatitis C Antibody window period. Basically, I am getting very confused between 12 and 24 weeks. I have seen some responses where it is said that window period for conclusive test is 12 weeks. Can someone please inform when was the window period reduced to 12 weeks.

Thanks...

[Ann]

Worried, you can read about hcv testing by clicking here.

Twelve weeks is sufficient for a conclusive result.

[worried@35]

Hi Ann,
Thanks for responding. My doctors got me a hep c antibody test 12 weeks after broken condom exposure with csw in 2006. This came out negative but I felt as if I had all the symptoms. Even my liver was found to be fatty at about 7 weeks post exposure on ultrasound along with a little high ALT/AST. I got few stomach and bowel related symptoms during those times as well.

I discussed this with STD specialists in online forums such as medhelp and aidameds as I was worried. All my test results came back negative at 12 weeks other than herpes-2. The experts told me then I have nothing to be worried about hiv/hepc/hep b.

After I had sex I came to know one of my colleagues has had sex with her before me so that raised my fears of her having vaginal tear and possible prevalance of blood in her vagina.

I do not know what generation test I got done then but I called the Dcotor again in 2012 and he told me that in 2006 the lab was using 3rd generation HCV antibody. However, I can  not be sure as its pretty od story now..

Can I take confidence in 12 week negative hp c test in 2006 even thought from same exposure i got herpes and maybe a couple bacterial std's which i was treated for.

Thanks....

[worried@35]

Ann,
Also the link you posted shows antibodies might take up to 6 months to show. Don;t know what to think of it. Kindly let me know...

[Ann]

Hep C is VERY rarely transmitted through vaginal intercourse. RARE in the EXTREME.

At the end of the day, if you feel you have cause to doubt your negative hep C test result, go test again if that's the only thing that will put your mind at rest. Just don't be surprised when you get another negative result if this incident of unprotected intercourse is your only risk factor - and it's not actually a risk factor in the first place.

[worried@35]

Thanks for replying. I am just building up the courage to take u testing again due to some symptoms I have been facing in last couple of years. Myworry is that I have a slit in my frenulum which could have exposed me to blood from vagina. however, when condom broke I did not see any blood.

Again, can you also tell me how much confidence can i take from a 12 week negative antibody test that I took in 2006.

Thanks a bnch.. Really appreciate your help..

[worried@35]

Also, would like to know if you have seen anyone test positive for hep c after 12 week negative..

[Ann]

As I already told you, twelve weeks is sufficient for a conclusive result. I do not expect your previous negative result to change.

The word "hepatitis" simply means inflammation of the liver and many, many things can cause liver inflammation. You need to discuss your symptoms with a qualified doctor and find out the actual cause. Whatever that may be, it is highly unlikely to be hep C as you've already tested negative for hep C.

Also, would like to know if you have seen anyone test positive for hep c after 12 week negative..

No.

Ann

[worried@35]

Thanks..