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Hep C Discussion Forum -> General Discussion -> advice needed after tested positive for hep c antibodies
Post Info TOPIC: advice needed after tested positive for hep c antibodies
Cinnamon Girl


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RE: advice needed after tested positive for hep c antibodies
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Yes, that is true, Richard, and I thought you`d say that!  smile  We all have to do what we need to do, and as I said, it`s your choice.  I`m not aware of anyone on this forum who has used one but I can see that in your situation it might be worth considering.

Best of luck anyway, and can you let us know how you get on? 

Cheers, Jill



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Jill 

(71 yo, lives in UK)

Was Gen 3a, 

24wks Peg Ifn/Riba, Sep 2010 - Mch 2011

UND @ Wk.4, UND @ EOT, 

SVR Nov 2011 --> Still UND @ EOT + 4 yrs.

 

 
Richard92024


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Hi Jill,

Thanks for your response.

I guess human error can occur in any situation, though, not just with a home test kit.

I've just found out that the clinic where I had the initial basic blood work done has recommended that my results be "verified by HCV RNA-PCR or by Western Blot HCV."

So I'll check the local Health Department to see if they can help.

Cheers,

Richard

p.s. I like your Jewel quote: "In the end, only kindness matters." smile



-- Edited by Richard92024 on Thursday 21st of February 2013 07:23:04 PM

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Cinnamon Girl


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Hi Richard, I don`t think I would recommend using a home testing kit for something as important as this, even if does save you money.   If you have a negative result it still wouldn`t guarantee that you weren`t actively infected as it can take up to 6 months from the time of infection for enough antibodies to be produced for them to be detected.  And if you had a positive result you would still need to consult a doctor who specialises in liver diseases in order to have further tests and discuss possible treatment options.  Added to this is the risk of human error.

That`s my opinion anyway, others may see if differently.  At the end of the day it`s your choice, of course.

Cheers, Jill

ps - I`ve removed your link as we don`t allow adverts here.

 



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Jill 

(71 yo, lives in UK)

Was Gen 3a, 

24wks Peg Ifn/Riba, Sep 2010 - Mch 2011

UND @ Wk.4, UND @ EOT, 

SVR Nov 2011 --> Still UND @ EOT + 4 yrs.

 

 
Richard92024


Newbie

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Posts: 3
Date:
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Hi Malcolm,

Many thanks for your reply.

Given my limited funds, do you think this home Hep C testing kit would do the job?

 

Thanks,

Richard



-- Edited by Cinnamon Girl on Wednesday 20th of February 2013 07:34:34 PM

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mallani


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Hi Richard,

Testing +ve to HCV antibodies means you have been exposed to The HepC virus in the past. The next step is to obtain a HepC PCR Viral Load test. This is the only way to know if you have active disease. If your PCR test is -ve you do not have any circulating virus at present. If there is virus present it will be given as a number, and it shows you have active disease.



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Geno 1b, IL28B CT,  x3 prior relapser,  ex-cirrhotic, 75 yo, did 48 weeks with Victrelis/Peg./Riba.  VL 1.28m at start, UNDET. at 8 ,12 ,16 ,24 ,30  and 48 weeks.  EOT 15 Feb 2013 , UNDET. at EOT + 28 weeks. SVR!  Still Undet. at EOT +5 years

Malcolm
Richard92024


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Hi,

I am new on this forum and would appreciate guidance.

I just had a blood test where I "tested positive for Hep C antibodies."

I have looked online but am confused as to which test I need to have next... presumably to diagnose whether or not I actually have Hep C.

I'm concerned about the cost - I have very limited finances right now. I live in San Diego, but don't have medical insurance. (I have a Green Card, but am not a US citizen).

I have a printed copy of the blood test.

Thank you for any help you may be able to give me.

Richard



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