What does it mean to have Hep C antibodies but no virus?
A non-reactive or negative antibody test means that you are not currently infected with the hepatitis C virus. However, if you think you might have been exposed to hepatitis C in the last 6 months, you will need to be tested again.
What can cause a false-positive hep C antibody test?
Causes of a false-positive hepatitis C test You may receive a false-positive result if your antibodies are triggered by another infection. People who’ve recovered from hepatitis C on their own may also get a false-positive anti-HCV test result. In rare cases, lab error leads to a false positive.
What does HCV PCR mean?
The HCV RNA PCR test is used to determine whether the hepatitis C virus (HCV) exists in your bloodstream. If the virus is present, the test can also measure the exact amount that’s in your blood. The amount of virus in your blood is known as the viral load.
What does a positive HCV antibody test mean?
What does a reactive HCV antibody test result mean? ► A reactive or positive antibody test means you have been infected with the hepatitis C virus at some point in time. ► Once people have been infected, they will always have antibodies in their blood.
How do you get hep C positive?
The hepatitis C virus is usually spread when someone comes into contact with blood from an infected person. This can happen through: ►Sharing drug-injection equipment. Today, most people become infected with hepatitis C by sharing needles, syringes, or any other equipment used to prepare and inject drugs.
How do you know if your hep C is getting worse?
Symptoms of end-stage liver disease may include:
- Easy bleeding or bruising.
- Persistent or recurring yellowing of your skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Intense itching.
- Abdominal pain.
- Loss of appetite.
- Nausea.
- Swelling due to fluid buildup in your abdomen and legs.
- Problems with concentration and memory.
Is HCV positive curable?
Today, chronic HCV is usually curable with oral medications taken every day for two to six months. Still, about half of people with HCV don’t know they’re infected, mainly because they have no symptoms, which can take decades to appear.
Do hep C antibodies go away?
Unfortunately, the antibody is with the patient for life. It does NOT go away. The viral load becomes undetected.