So scared..hep c positive antibodies

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Hi everyone , I am so nervous right now. I have been a nurse for the past 6 years and my dr ran a hep c antibody test which came back reactive. All my liver tests have always been normal. I get them checked every year with my physical. I am waiting for an RNA test to confirm. I cannot recall a situation where I have ever been stuck by a needle or been exposed to a patients blood that has gotten into an open wound. I have a tattoo from 18 years ago, but wouldn’t I have liver damage by now that is shown in tests if it were from that? My labs have always been great, but I am so scared and can’t sleep or barely eat. I have worked with patients that have prior history of drug abuse for the past 6 months, but have always been very careful. How common is it to have a positive antibody test and negative RNA? I would appreciate any feedback.

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Several years ago a friend found out she was hepatitis B surface antigen positive when she tried to donate blood. No idea how long ago she had been exposed. She's had some needle sticks over her long nursing career.

She is healthy as the proverbial horse.

The immune system and hepatitis are extremely complex. She did as much research as she could handle. She, nor I, had the time, or brains ?, to really understand it.

Bottom line from experts she was able to talk to. She's fine, don't worry, get a routine checkup once a year. In her words, "I dodged a bullet" .

Make a list of your questions and concerns. Make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your worries.

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

We can't give medical advice or answer medical questions here. See your doctor and keep your chin up.

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