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Is Negative Hepatitis C Test After 22 Weeks Of Possible Exposure Conclusive?
Posted on
Fri, 21 Aug 2015
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Fri, 21 Aug 2015
Answered on
Fri, 11 Sep 2015
Last reviewed on
Question : Hep C neg after 22 weeks by Antibodies test. Is it conclusive?
Brief Answer:
Need more information
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for posting your query.
I am Dr.R.K and I am pleased to assist you.
I need some more information before I can give my opinion.
1. Why was this test done?
2. What do you mean by "after 22 weeks"?
Regards,
Dr.R.K
Need more information
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for posting your query.
I am Dr.R.K and I am pleased to assist you.
I need some more information before I can give my opinion.
1. Why was this test done?
2. What do you mean by "after 22 weeks"?
Regards,
Dr.R.K
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
My exposure was unprotected sex and now it is 22 after the exposure and my hep C antibodies test is -ve using Elisa test. Is this conseder conclusive?
Brief Answer:
RNA to tested
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for the additional information.
Most often the antibodies form by around 8 weeks after exposure.
But in a small percentage it may take 6-8 months before the antibodies can be detected.
HCV RNA testing is more reliable as it becomes positive within 1-2 weeks after exposure.
So I would advise you to get HCV RNA test done to rule out HCV infection.
Let me know if you have any more questions.
Regards,
Dr.R.K
RNA to tested
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for the additional information.
Most often the antibodies form by around 8 weeks after exposure.
But in a small percentage it may take 6-8 months before the antibodies can be detected.
HCV RNA testing is more reliable as it becomes positive within 1-2 weeks after exposure.
So I would advise you to get HCV RNA test done to rule out HCV infection.
Let me know if you have any more questions.
Regards,
Dr.R.K
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
What do u mean by small %? Who r these %?
Brief Answer:
About 10%
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Those who are exposed to Hepatitis C develop antibodies at various periods of time.
It may be as early as 2 weeks or as late as 6-8 months. It is not related to any specific risk population.
About 90% become positive for HCV antibodies in 6 months time.About 10% develop in 6-8 months time.
As said earlier it is better to test for HCV RNA.
Regards,
Dr.R.K.
About 10%
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Those who are exposed to Hepatitis C develop antibodies at various periods of time.
It may be as early as 2 weeks or as late as 6-8 months. It is not related to any specific risk population.
About 90% become positive for HCV antibodies in 6 months time.About 10% develop in 6-8 months time.
As said earlier it is better to test for HCV RNA.
Regards,
Dr.R.K.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
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