Question

[Kchi23]

Over 10 years ago in my early 20’s (I’m now 33) I went to a sexual health clinic for birth control. They decided to do STD testing that included Hep C. I’m not sure why I was tested for Hep C because I had no risk factors. I did use cocaine intermittently in my late teens but other than that no risk factors. I got a call back that my HCV antibodies came back “indeterminate” and I was sent for HCV RNA which came back negative. I was told I could get retested in 6 months but it’s my choice so I’m low risk.  Here I am over 10 years later having anxiety about not being retested. Anyone have experience with “indeterminate” results and is it worth being retested? I have two kids now and have been in a long term monogamous relationship and am freaking out about the possibility of having Hep C and angry at myself for not getting my RNA retested. Seriously this anxiety thing sucks!!! Any feedback would be appreciated.

[Lynn K]

Very much doubt it is a concern but if your worried get tested then you will know. I suspect that is the only real way you will be able to put you mind at ease.

[Kchi23]

So update..
I got my HCV antibodies rechecked and they came back inconclusive AGAIN
My first antibody screen was reactive and the second supplemental confirmatory screen came back non-reactive. So now I had my blood drawn yesterday for RNA again.

So stressed out over this whole process I just want it to be over. I just don’t understand why my results are coming back inconclusive again was just hoping it would be negative anyways we will see

[lporterrn]

Uncertainty is stressful. Hope you get results soon!

[Lynn K]

You may consider having the HCV RNA by PCR test that looks for the actual virus not just antibodies. Doing the same test over and over likely will produce similar results.

Just get tested for the virus then you will know for certain.

[Kchi23]

That’s what I got bloodwork for yesterday the HCV RNA.

I have had a previous negative HCV RNA with inconclusive antibodies so I’m hoping the outcome in the same this time around

[Lynn K]

Negative HCV RNA means conclusively you do not have hep c

[Kchi23]

Well that’s what I initially thought which is why I never really followed up to be retested.   I was told that 1 negative HCV RNA does not conclusively mean you don’t have Hep C that you always have to be retested especially with inconclusive/indeterminate antibodies. Ugh

[Lynn K]

If you don’t have the virus you don’t have hep c. Antibodies only mean you may have been exposed in the past. The HCV RNA test is conclusive in a couple of weeks post a concerning exposure.


Who said you need to be retested?

[Lynn K]

“RNA: It measures the number of viral RNA (genetic material from the hepatitis virus) particles in your blood. Your doctor might refer to this as your viral load. They usually show up 1-2 weeks after you’re infected.

What do the results mean?
Negative: You don’t have hep C.
Positive: You have hep C.”

https://www.webmd.com/hepatitis/diagnostic-tests-hepatitis-c-virus

[Kchi23]

I was advised by my Physician that I should have been rested 6 months after my first negative HCV RNA because there can be “intermittent viremia” which can cause false negative result so they retest in order to confirm the RNA is still negative 

[Lynn K]

I’m not really convinced about that argument unless your possible exposure was extremely recent to your initial testing.

Most general practice doctors don’t know a lot about hepatitis c diagnosis and testing. I’m willing to bet if you spoke with an infectious disease specialist they would say the first HCV RNA if it was more than a couple of weeks post a suspected exposure would me more than adequate from everything I as a lay person have read.

That being said I believe there is no reason to do additional antibody testing. If you want to have an additional HCV RNA by PCR test 6 months after originally performed there is certainly no harm in that if nothing else simply for peace of mind. But I sincerely doubt you will test positive for the virus as you previously tested as not detected. There are some situations with late seroconversion but this is just not that common.

[Kchi23]

Update I did receive my RNA results today and they were negative.  I am very relieved thanks for all the responses and information - I really appreciate it!

[Lynn K]

Thanks for the update congrats