What does a hepatitis C AB reactive, reference range-nonreactive, and HCV AB ratio H 9.70 mean?

1)Hep C AB reactive means that you have the antibody to Hep C. We are discussing the Hepatitis C virus which is transmitted by blood or body fluids...often with intercourse/needle sticks in healthcare workers/needle sharing in iv drug users. There is no vaccine to Hep C (like there is with Hep B). Specifically regarding Hep C Ab reactive means that your immune system has been exposed to the Hepatitis C virus and has appropriately formed antibodies against this virus. However the bottom line if you have the Hep C Ab then you almost surely have Hep C. Now you need the confirmatory test (qualitative test) which is very specific and detects viral DNA. If this test is positive then you have Hep C without a doubt. Illness with Hep C can range from mild elevation in your liver function tests without issues, to fulminant hepatic failure/ hepatic cancer and death. Now with that being said there is treatment for hep c with interferon therapy which is very hard on you due to a long list of serious side effects. 2) HCV AB ratio = H 9.7. I am guessing you are reading this from a lab printout. and this is in bold. The "H" stands for high or higher than the normal value. This test is really not that important (not nearly as important as knowing you have Hep C) for the treatment or prognosis. I never use it in my clinic.





Now what? well you first should look into the side effects of interferon therapy. If you are interested in pursuing therapy the next step is for your doctor (or a hepatitis specialist) to get a quantitative viral load, and genotype of the virus which would determine the length of interferon therapy. Usually 6mo or 12mo depending on the genotype. And get counseled on interferon therapy and whether you are a candidate for therapy. If you are not happy with the outlook for interferon therapy there are some new treatment regimens being researched now that should be available in the next 10 yrs.

What does a hepatitis C AB reactive, reference range-nonreactive, and HCV AB ratio H 9.70 mean?
iT MEANS YOU SHOULSEE A DOCTOR
Reply:That you have antibodies to the hepatitis C virus. Reference range means normal value is supposed to be nonreactive. Probably got the Hepatitis C virus. But to know, go to an hepatologist and ask for a further evaluation, may repeat the test and/or ask for a Polimerase Chain Reaction test.