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Author Topic: What does Negative for HCV RNA mean?  (Read 56653 times)

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Offline Confused

  • Newbie
  • Posts: 2
What does Negative for HCV RNA mean?
« on: August 11, 2014, 12:30:15 pm »
I was told I had Hep a number of years ago. Within the last few years my tests have been coming back Negative for HCV RNA by PCR. Can anyone help me better understand what that means, my doctors aren't making it clear and keep giving me round about answers, so I was hoping you all could help...

Offline Mike

  • Member
  • Posts: 999
Re: What does Negative for HCV RNA mean?
« Reply #1 on: August 11, 2014, 04:39:33 pm »
Negative for HCV RNA means there were no Hep-C viruses detected in your blood. This means you don't have an active Hep-C infection. This is great news and suggests that you were previously exposed to the virus but never developed an infection.

Best wishes, Mike
Genotype 1a
Treated 2001 with PEG and RIBV
Treated in 2014 SOL+PEG+RIBV
Cured July 2014

Offline rainbowray

  • Member
  • Posts: 263
  • Gen 1B
Re: What does Negative for HCV RNA mean?
« Reply #2 on: August 11, 2014, 04:57:01 pm »
Some people's own immune system is able to cure itself. I think about 15%.
You may be in that group. If I were you, I would get checked at least once a year though. After a few years of undetected then forget about it.

Offline Confused

  • Newbie
  • Posts: 2
Re: What does Negative for HCV RNA mean?
« Reply #3 on: August 13, 2014, 10:46:26 am »
Does this mean I am not contagious? I know that may seem like an ignorant question to some but frankly I'm very uneducated on this situation.. that's why I'm here to ask you guys :/ Thanks for your replies!

Offline Mike

  • Member
  • Posts: 999
Re: What does Negative for HCV RNA mean?
« Reply #4 on: August 13, 2014, 11:42:16 am »
Hi Confused,

There's no such thing as an ignorant question on this board. This is a place to get info, ask questions and get support.

If, in fact, you have had negative Hep-C RNA tests over the past few years, you are not contagious.

I will always test positive for the Hep-C antibody; but I completed treatment and the virus was eradicated. This was confirmed by a negative HVC RNA test.

Since I have cleared the virus (I'm cured) I can't pass on what I don't have.

The same is true for you!

Best wishes, Mike
Genotype 1a
Treated 2001 with PEG and RIBV
Treated in 2014 SOL+PEG+RIBV
Cured July 2014

Offline kickhep

  • Member
  • Posts: 3
Re: What does Negative for HCV RNA mean?
« Reply #5 on: August 13, 2014, 05:21:44 pm »
I was tested two months ago, and my test came back "Reactive (Abnormal)" my doctor ordered more tests and the results are:

HCV LOG10 Results
•   <1.18 IU/mL
HEP C GENO Results
•   Not Detected
HCV RNA PCR Quant Results
•   <15 IU/mL
Now my doctor is telling me that I'm fine and I don't need any medications
I'm somewhat confused please help.
Thank you.

Offline Mike

  • Member
  • Posts: 999
Re: What does Negative for HCV RNA mean?
« Reply #6 on: August 13, 2014, 05:47:56 pm »
Basically, you probably had a reactive Hep-C test result which indicated the presence of the Hep-C antibody

Your doctor then ordered additional tests.The HCV RNA PCR Quant results suggests that no virus were detected, which means that a genotype (GT) could not be determined (HEP C GENO), as there are numerous Hep-C genotypes and treatment decisions are tailored to the particular GT.

I want to be clear, I'm not a doctor and always refer back to your physician for specifics; but the test results tell me you were previously exposed to the Hep-C virus but did not develop a chronic infection. This means you don't have a Hep-C infection, which is great news!

Make sure you follow up with your doctor if you have further concerns or questions.

Best wishes, Mike
« Last Edit: August 14, 2014, 03:19:03 pm by Mike »
Genotype 1a
Treated 2001 with PEG and RIBV
Treated in 2014 SOL+PEG+RIBV
Cured July 2014

Offline kickhep

  • Member
  • Posts: 3
Re: What does Negative for HCV RNA mean?
« Reply #7 on: August 14, 2014, 02:17:59 pm »
Thank you Mike, so is this means I can't give it to my partner?
Thank you again!

Offline lporterrn

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,969
  • LucindaPorterRN
    • LucindaPorterRN
Re: What does Negative for HCV RNA mean?
« Reply #8 on: August 15, 2014, 12:57:40 pm »
You have no hep C to give to your partner
Lucinda Porter, RN
1988 Contracted HCV
1997 Interferon nonresponder
2003 PEG + ribavirin responder-relapser
2013 Cured (Harvoni + ribavirin clinical trial)
https://www.hepmag.com/blogger/lucindakporter

Offline kickhep

  • Member
  • Posts: 3
Re: What does Negative for HCV RNA mean?
« Reply #9 on: August 18, 2014, 12:48:52 pm »
Thank you, you guys are awesome please keep up the good work.

Offline mikeyman

  • Member
  • Posts: 63
Re: What does Negative for HCV RNA mean?
« Reply #10 on: February 16, 2015, 01:06:31 pm »
Hi Lucinda, I have a call into him . just waiting on a return back to explain it. I have not seen <12 before? Ill post what he says when he calls. thanks!

Offline lporterrn

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,969
  • LucindaPorterRN
    • LucindaPorterRN
Re: What does Negative for HCV RNA mean?
« Reply #11 on: February 16, 2015, 01:19:40 pm »
Hi Mikeyman - I moved this thread to http://forums.hepmag.com/index.php?topic=2201.0 - Hope to hear back with good news, but I am pretty sure it is nondetectable.
Lucinda Porter, RN
1988 Contracted HCV
1997 Interferon nonresponder
2003 PEG + ribavirin responder-relapser
2013 Cured (Harvoni + ribavirin clinical trial)
https://www.hepmag.com/blogger/lucindakporter

Offline Worriedsick

  • Member
  • Posts: 7
Re: What does Negative for HCV RNA mean?
« Reply #12 on: March 06, 2015, 06:42:47 pm »
Does anyone know if this result would be a negative as well???



Tests: (1) HEPATITIS C RNA, PCR, RT, QNT (1238.050)
! HCV RNA,PCR,REAL TIME, QNT
 <15 IU/mL ()
! HCV RNA PCR (LOG 10) <1.18 ()
 UNITS OF MEASURE: Log IU/mL
 HCV RNA Not Detected.
 REFERENCE RANGE:
 HCV RNA, PCR, QUANT:
 <15 IU/mL
 HCV RNA, PCR, QUANT:
 <1.18 LogIU/mL

Offline Long_Haul

  • Member
  • Posts: 161
  • Slayed the Dragon
Re: What does Negative for HCV RNA mean?
« Reply #13 on: March 12, 2015, 11:40:28 am »
@Worriedsick, You are UNDETECTED, See Below:( Not sure why they bury the result, mine came back with a status header of "Not Detected")

Tests: (1) HEPATITIS C RNA, PCR, RT, QNT (1238.050)
! HCV RNA,PCR,REAL TIME, QNT
 <15 IU/mL ()
! HCV RNA PCR (LOG 10) <1.18 ()
 UNITS OF MEASURE: Log IU/mL

 HCV RNA Not Detected.   <------------  Look Here!
 
REFERENCE RANGE:
 HCV RNA, PCR, QUANT:
 <15 IU/mL
 HCV RNA, PCR, QUANT:
 <1.18 LogIU/mL


Hope this makes you feel a bit less worried.

Best Wishes,

AL
Genotype 1A

Diagnosed 1989
Biopsy-cirrhosis stage 4 2000, no starting VL this round

3 rounds of Int+Rib
(Combo/48wks,Peg/26 Wks,Triple with Incivek/16wks)
UND with Incivek, Relapsed
Started 12 weeks Harvoni and Rib Jan 2nd,2015
4 weeks Undetected
8 weeks Undetected!
EOT at 12 weeks Undetected
EOT at 24 weeks STILL UNDETECTED
Completed TX Mar 26th,2015

EOT plus 4 weeks UNDETECTED
EOT plus 12 weeks UNDETECTED !!!!!!!!!!! I am DONE!

NO LONGER a member of the "WAITING GANG"

Offline NeedAnswers

  • Newbie
  • Posts: 2
Hep C Ab but Neg RNA
« Reply #14 on: June 24, 2016, 05:12:20 pm »
So my doctor informed me that I was positive for Hep C after doing blood work, but had me come in a second time to do additional blood work to be sure of the results. I gave blood again. A little after two weeks my doctor followed up with me and said that he had good news. My body had fought the virus and it was not active in the 2nd blood test. But, he still referred me to a liver specialist. He then sent me my test results via mail and they are as follows:
13/+ Hep C Ab but Neg RNA

What does this mean?
Do I still have Hep C?
And why am I being referred?

Someone please help!

Offline KimInTheForest

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,972
  • Believe in yourself
Re: Hep C Ab but Neg RNA
« Reply #15 on: June 24, 2016, 05:29:35 pm »
So my doctor informed me that I was positive for Hep C after doing blood work, but had me come in a second time to do additional blood work to be sure of the results. I gave blood again. A little after two weeks my doctor followed up with me and said that he had good news. My body had fought the virus and it was not active in the 2nd blood test. But, he still referred me to a liver specialist. He then sent me my test results via mail and they are as follows:
13/+ Hep C Ab but Neg RNA

What does this mean?
Do I still have Hep C?
And why am I being referred?

Someone please help!

As far as I understand it, your results of your 2 tests mean that you were, at some time in your life, exposed to Hepatitis C. However, you were one of the 15-25% of people whose immune systems are able to eliminate the virus without it becoming chronic. And you therefore do NOT have Hepatitis C. But you will always test positive for antibodies to Hep C because your immune system will continue to manufacture those antibodies for the rest of your life.

The first test one gets when checking for Hep C is always an antibody test. If that comes back positive (i.e., if your body has at some point been exposed to Hepatitis C and is now producing antibodies), then the doctor goes on to order a second test, and that test looks for the presence of the virus itself in your blood. The 1st test (antibody test) is much cheaper than the 2nd test (PCR test looking for virus). So they give the antibody test first to see if they need to move onto the more expensive test.

Basically, I think you are in the clear. But it's good you are getting referred to a liver specialist.

kim
Kim Goldberg (Nanaimo, BC)
1970s: Contracted HCV (genotype 3a)
2015: Cured with Harvoni + ribavirin (12 weeks)
MY STORY: https://pigsquash.wordpress.com/2016/01/28/undetectable-my-hep-c-story/

Offline NeedAnswers

  • Newbie
  • Posts: 2
Re: What does Negative for HCV RNA mean?
« Reply #16 on: June 24, 2016, 05:41:17 pm »
Thank you Kim!
By the way, I read your story and congratulations! What a strong and brave woman you are.
What I also forgot to ask is even though my test results seem to show that I have no Hep C, is it usually common to still be put on medication by a liver spec. I'm cases like my own? I feel like I want to, just to be safe.

Offline KimInTheForest

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,972
  • Believe in yourself
Re: What does Negative for HCV RNA mean?
« Reply #17 on: June 24, 2016, 05:48:25 pm »
Thank you Kim!
By the way, I read your story and congratulations! What a strong and brave woman you are.
What I also forgot to ask is even though my test results seem to show that I have no Hep C, is it usually common to still be put on medication by a liver spec. I'm cases like my own? I feel like I want to, just to be safe.

Thanks! :)

I don't think there is any specific medication to go on if you don't have Hep C. The only liver-related meds for this are the direct-acting antivirals which eradicate the virus in those who have it. If your test says "Neg RNA" then as far as I know, you do not have any Hep C virus in your body. hep C is not a virus that can lurk. If it is there, it will show up on a PCR blood test with a quantification of the viral load.

The liver specialist will probably do various tests to check the condition of your liver - probably blood tests including AST/ALT/GGT/bilirubin, and maybe an abdominal ultrasound and/or a fibroscan (which is like an ultrasound). Since you cleared the virus spontaneously, that means you did not have it long, so it is unlikely that it did any noticeable damage. Many of us have had it for decades and are still ok in terms of liver condition. Of course eating a liver-supporting diet and reducing alcohol is always advisable. :)

kim

« Last Edit: June 24, 2016, 06:18:42 pm by KimInTheForest »
Kim Goldberg (Nanaimo, BC)
1970s: Contracted HCV (genotype 3a)
2015: Cured with Harvoni + ribavirin (12 weeks)
MY STORY: https://pigsquash.wordpress.com/2016/01/28/undetectable-my-hep-c-story/

Offline Lynn K

  • Global Moderator
  • Member
  • Posts: 4,543
  • Get tested, get treated, get cured, fight Hep c!
Re: What does Negative for HCV RNA mean?
« Reply #18 on: June 25, 2016, 01:49:41 am »
I believe the first test was an antibody  test this could indicate you had been exposed at some time in the past to hep c but about 25% of people beat hep c on their own. That is the reason for the 2nd test called HCV RNA by PCR that checks to see if you have hep c virus in your blood which it seems you do not based on your negative result. Congrats you do not have hep c.

You will always test positive for hep c antibodies they are not the virus they are made by your own body when it fought the virus.

I imagine you doctor is sending you to a specialist out of an abundance of caution to make sure your liver is fine from your encounter with hep c. But I expect very likely you will get a clean bill of health and go on from there like nothing ever happenend.

Just to add as you do test positive for hep c antibodies you won't be able to donate blood at least not at the present time. The blood bank tests for hep c antibodies and if found they will dispose of your donation ans send you a letter rejecting you as a blood doner.

Best of luck to you
Genotype 1a
1978 contracted, 1990 Dx
1995 Intron A failed
2001 Interferon Riba null response
2003 Pegintron Riba trial med null response
2008 F4 Cirrhosis Bx
2014 12 week Sov/Oly relapse
10/14 fibroscan 27 PLT 96
2014 24 weeks Harvoni 15 weeks Riba
5/4/15 EOT not detected, ALT 21, AST 20
4 week post not detected, ALT 26, AST 28
12 week post NOT DETECTED (07/27/15)
ALT 29, AST 27 PLT 92
24 week post NOT DETECTED! (10/19/15)
44 weeks (3/11/16)  fibroscan 33, PLT 111, HCV NOT DETECTED!
I AM FREE!

 


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