[Question #6138] Follow up

70 months ago

Hi Dr. thanks for the info. I had just a few more questions so I can move on. My concern is hepatitis C. If someone has hep c would it delay the results of hiv RNA or 4th generation test from becoming positive? Would it matter if the Hep c is recently acquired?

Also, would a hep c NAAT pick up most infections at 5 weeks post exposure? And would having hiv affect this window period?

Just trying to educate myself, I appreciate your service and hopefully will never have to use it again

Thanks

Edward W. Hook M.D.

70 months ago

Welcome back to our forum I must say that I'm sorry that you felt the need. Today I will be answering your questions. FYI I reviewed your interaction with Dr. Handsfield yesterday and agree with all he said.

The presence of hepatitis C, even recently acquired hepatitis C, would have no effect on the reliability of tests for HIV. As Dr. Handsfield said your tests are totally reliable.

Immediately following infection with hepatitis C viral RNA should be present and detectable in blood within 6 to 10 days. Your five week results are certainly reliable. This would be the case even if HIV will present.

I hope that this information is helpful. Take care. EWH

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70 months ago

Thank you doctor Hook, what is the deal with all the literature online about delaying the window periods for both tests? I took the rna hep c test today at 5 weeks just for piece of mind. I know it says antibodies could be delayed but I wanted to make sure the RNA test was accurate. Lots of tough to understand info out there on coinefection or getting both from same exposure.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

70 months ago

The internet is NOT your friend here. Please do not believe this. Indeed there are a few theoretical arguments that antibody response MIIGHT be delayed but this is rare. Further, the RNA test would in no way be impacted by co-existent HIV.

The internet is absolutely the wrong place to go for health information. Much of what is there is out of date, taken out of context, or incorrect. EWH

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70 months ago

To be clear, and then I am done.

Dies hiv have any effect on hep c testing or is it only having hep c that can effect the hiv test. My brain is going to explode. I am guessing the RNA tests I had done in both would negate this possibility anyway.

Thanks

Edward W. Hook M.D.

70 months ago

Repetitive question for which the answer is not going to change. HIV will not effect hepatitis C testing, nor will having hepatitis C deleteriously impact testing for HIV. The is particularly true when it comes to RNA testing.

As you indicate and as this is my third response as part of this thread, the thread will now be closed as per Forum guidelines. EWH

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