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Is A Hepatitis-C RNA PCR Test Conclusive 2 Weeks Post Exposure?
Question: Is a Hepatitis C RNA PCR test conclusive at the 2-week post-exposure mark?
Brief Answer:
Very sensitive in detecting HCV even after 2 weeks post-exposure as follow.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
The HCV RNA PCR test is a very sensitive in detecting the presence of active virus even prior to antibodies. So, it can detect virus in less than 2 months after exposure including 2 weeks post exposure.
However, another test is recommended after a couple of months for confirmation.
May I know what makes you think over running HCV RNA PCR testing? Do you have a personal history of exposure to blood or blood transfusion?
Dr.Albana
Very sensitive in detecting HCV even after 2 weeks post-exposure as follow.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
The HCV RNA PCR test is a very sensitive in detecting the presence of active virus even prior to antibodies. So, it can detect virus in less than 2 months after exposure including 2 weeks post exposure.
However, another test is recommended after a couple of months for confirmation.
May I know what makes you think over running HCV RNA PCR testing? Do you have a personal history of exposure to blood or blood transfusion?
Dr.Albana
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks, Dr. Albana.
I'll preface my response by saying that I have been diagnosed with OCD.
Last Thursday I was working with an individual who is Hep C+. I do not know about his HIV status. He was using a small rag to wipe sweat off his head because it was hot. The rag fell from his shoulder and I picked it up with my fingertips to hand back to him. I'm not sure if there was blood or any other substance on it, or if I had any cuts on my fingers or what I did with my fingers afterward. Nor did I check for sharp objects. The individual has a past history of intravenous drug use.
My concern is that I stuck my finger or got blood on my finger.
I'll preface my response by saying that I have been diagnosed with OCD.
Last Thursday I was working with an individual who is Hep C+. I do not know about his HIV status. He was using a small rag to wipe sweat off his head because it was hot. The rag fell from his shoulder and I picked it up with my fingertips to hand back to him. I'm not sure if there was blood or any other substance on it, or if I had any cuts on my fingers or what I did with my fingers afterward. Nor did I check for sharp objects. The individual has a past history of intravenous drug use.
My concern is that I stuck my finger or got blood on my finger.
Brief Answer:
I don't see any chance for hep c infection. ...
Detailed Answer:
Hi back ,
I understand your concern.
Please bare in mind that hep c is not transmitted so easily unless blood to blood contact is present.
This is because the virus cannot live outside blood.
You are reporting to have a history of touching the rag used by an infected person. Chances to get the virus are ZERO. The virus isn't transmitted through sharing utensils including rag nor through touching
So, forget about that history and continue living your life peacefully.
All the best!
Dr.Albana
I don't see any chance for hep c infection. ...
Detailed Answer:
Hi back ,
I understand your concern.
Please bare in mind that hep c is not transmitted so easily unless blood to blood contact is present.
This is because the virus cannot live outside blood.
You are reporting to have a history of touching the rag used by an infected person. Chances to get the virus are ZERO. The virus isn't transmitted through sharing utensils including rag nor through touching
So, forget about that history and continue living your life peacefully.
All the best!
Dr.Albana
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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