Hep C - Hepatitis Message Board

LPK · 10-20-2003, 09:30 AM

Hi all,

To cut a very long story short - Tested negative on the ELISA at 12 weeks after a low risk sexual encounter. This being after what i thought was a serious HIV seroconversion Illness. I also tested Negative to the standard panel of STD'S as well as Hep B.

My questions are as follows,

Does my 12 week neg for HIV mean im not infected, or can getting infected with HIV/HCV at the same time delay testing postive on the ELISA?

Do normal liver funtion test results indacatve no Hep? Im currently waiting for results.

Thanks in advance.

LPK · 10-20-2003, 09:37 AM

Sorry, i meant indacate.

thanbey · 10-20-2003, 10:32 AM

12 weeks is too soon to expect an antibody result for hepatitis C.

If you can afford it, molecular tests for both will give you the information you are seeking. An ELISA will not cut it at this point. ELISA is an antibody test and will not show virus.

Having said that, even if you ARE positive for hepatitis C at this point, your chances of clearing the virus spontaneously is 15% in the first six months AND new research has found that it is up to 45% in the first two years. If that research bears out (and it is good research, by the way) early treatment is probably not necessary since you would be as likely to clear spontanously as you would on the treatment.

Why do you believe you are at risk?

thanbey

LPK · 10-20-2003, 10:37 AM

Sorry, i think you may have misunderstood me slightly. My risk was insertive oral (i got given an unprotected bj) No risk you may well think, but the symptoms have drove me crazy.

I recieved a 12 week negative ELISA for HIV (the window period for HIV is 12 weeks here in England)

Im now at about week 17, will a normal liver funtion test result mean no Hep?

thanbey · 10-20-2003, 12:06 PM

The symptoms are not from hepatitis c. There is no risk from this activity to the "inserter." Hepatitis A could be a risk to the "Receiver."

However, get tested anyway. You might have other risks you haven't identified. Many people with hepatitis C cannot identify any risk at all.