It should be remembered that there are false positive tests for hepatitis C, and such results usually require re-examination. After all, this disease is the most severe form, and positive tests are perceived as a sentence. A number of reasons can cause erroneous testing of pathology. False positive tests for hepatitis C are rare, but they must be taken into account as part of the diagnosis. The mistake of doctors in this matter can cause serious moral trauma to a person.
Diagnostic Methods
Only specialized doctors can determine this disease and prescribe therapy: an infectious disease specialist at the stage of acute hepatitis and a hepatologist or a gastroenterologist in the case of a chronic form. As part of the initial diagnosis of hepatitis, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (i.e., ELISA) is used. In this way, the markers of the presence of HCV virus in human blood are established by detecting and ascertaining the degree of concentration of its antibodies.
Certain difficulties
The diagnosis by this method is notable for certain difficulties. The presence of antibodies is not able to clearly speak about the presence of pathogenic viruses in the body at a particular moment. The virus may be destroyed, or antibodies may appear that are produced as a result of immunity reactions to another infection. In the event that a negative result was obtained, this suggests that the body never had to deal with hepatitis. Another thing is the presence of a positive result, which is able to incorrectly indicate a disease.
False hepatitis tests during pregnancy are not uncommon.
Other research methods
In order to clarify the diagnosis, there are other research methods. The simplest study is a general blood test along with a biochemical study, the determination of a polymerase chain reaction, and so on. It is also very important to conduct an ultrasound examination of the liver, spleen and the like. The positive results of the initial study are checked by an additional test in the form of recombinant immunoblotting.
ELISA result analysis
The ELISA method determines the total content of antibodies to this type of hepatitis. Antibodies are divided into the type of IgM, which is produced in the acute form of pathology. And also on the type of IgG, which is characteristic of chronic processes. IgM antibodies can be detected fourteen days after infection of the body, and they live for five months. IgG antibodies form later, but continue to remain in the body for ten years, even after defeating the virus.
Negative results of the ELISA test indicate the absence of antibodies of both types at once. At the same time, it must be remembered that it does not take into account the probability of virus penetration to humans in the last two weeks before the study, since antibodies do not have time to develop.
Positive results indicate the appearance of antibodies of both types. Often this indicates the onset of the acute phase of the viral form or the presence of a chronic form of the disease. True, such an indicator may be the result of a cured disease or indicate that the patient is only its carrier. Sometimes a test provides a false positive test for hepatitis C.
The causes of errors are discussed below.
Reasons for getting a false result
In practice, the use of the ELISA method, false-positive tests for hepatitis C account for up to 15%. By the way, for pregnant women this percentage is much higher. The following reasons may lead to such an indicator:
- The presence of autoimmune forms of the disease.
- The appearance of benign or malignant formations.
- Getting infected with other complex pathogens.
False positive test for hepatitis C during pregnancy
Quite often, such a diagnosis is made falsely in pregnant women. This is due to the fact that gestation occurs during gestation, which is accompanied by the formation of a specific protein, changes in the hormonal background and the composition of blood microelements. Thus, a pregnant woman’s blood plasma sample becomes difficult to obtain an unambiguous analysis, which may erroneously indicate the presence of antibodies to various infectious viruses, including hepatitis C.
Other infections
A false positive test for hepatitis C can be established in people who are infected with other infections. This is directly related to the individual characteristics of the immune system, which ambiguously reacted to the penetration of pathogenic viruses. The situation is exacerbated by the use of immunosuppressants. The occurrence of a false positive test for hepatitis C can also be affected by the human factor.
The reasons are the most prosaic:
- Inadequate qualifications of the doctor who performed the analysis.
- The commonplace mistake of laboratory assistants.
- Random sample swapping.
- Violation in the preparation of samples of biomaterial.
- Effect on samples at elevated temperatures.
Commonly recognized reasons for receiving an incorrect result in an analysis for hepatitis
Currently, the following reasons that cause a false positive test for hepatitis C are also generally recognized:
- Little explored cross-reaction.
- The presence of ribonucleoproteins in the body.
- Acute upper respiratory tract infections.
- A complex form of flu along with various retroviruses.
- Recent vaccinations for influenza, tetanus, or hepatitis.
- The recent implementation of interferon therapy.
- The presence of an individual increase in the content of bilirubin in the blood.
- The appearance of lipemic serum along with the individual characteristics of the immune system, expressed in the natural production of antibodies and the activity of the immune complex.
Features of the disease
Hepatitis C is an acute form of liver infection. It is caused by a special HCV virus, which has several genotypes along with many varieties. The mutational abilities of this virus can cause difficulties in diagnosis and therapy, which leads to the fact that, at present, a vaccine against this disease is still, unfortunately, not developed.
The initial stage of the disease proceeds rather slowly and, as a rule, does not show noticeable symptoms. The incubation period of this hepatitis reaches five months. The sluggish phase is manifested only in a small general weakness and insomnia. The accumulation of antibodies along with the activation of aminotransferases leads to darkening of the urine, and in addition to jaundice on the body. Subsequent progression of the pathology can cause whiteness of feces in combination with itching and a noticeable enlargement of the liver. The content of bilirubin in the blood can also increase dramatically.
Hepatitis C is, unfortunately, an intractable disease, and only 20% of people are completely cured of it. Almost as many patients who have had an acute illness can become carriers of this virus. They usually do not get sick, but can be diagnosed as sick when tested for hepatitis or, worse, serve as a source of infection for others.
Typically, in two-thirds of patients who have had this disease, it goes into a chronic form, which can last for a very long time without serious complications, but has characteristic symptoms in the form of periodic nausea, pain in the abdomen, tedious joint pain and frequent diarrhea.
In forums, a false-positive hepatitis C test is often the subject of discussion. But it is extremely rare to find specific information on the disease. However, since people share their stories, users can reassure themselves or, taking into account other people's mistakes, consult a doctor in a timely manner.
Additional laboratory and medical research
If the patient receives positive results by the ELISA method, they need to be checked by alternative methods. First of all, a PCR study is performed.
This technique is used:
- In order to clarify the result of the ELISA study.
- As part of the separation of hepatitis C from other varieties of this ailment.
- In order to clarify the stage of development of pathology.
- As part of the control of medical procedures.
This method makes it possible to determine the content along with the concentration and activity of the hepatitis C virus, due to which the disease is more accurately diagnosed. At the same time, the PCR technique can also lead to false tests for hepatitis with false positive results against the background of a cross-reaction. The absence of an additional serological marker as a result of the analyzes cannot completely exclude errors in diagnosis.
The health organization recommends a triple confirmatory study. All available methods should determine the level of transaminase along with the concentration of the HCV virus, its genotype, the amount of viremia in the blood and histological processes in the liver.
The entire complex of diagnostics should include the conduct of certain studies. An analysis of IL-28 determines the genotype of the virus. An immediate general blood test is performed to check the content of such indicators as red blood cells, hematocrit, white blood cells, platelets, monocytes, ESR and other components. Biochemical research is aimed at identifying the amount of bilirubin, serum iron and other compounds. Assessment of liver function is carried out by protein fraction, albumin, and in addition, by coagulation.
Tests for other hepatitis
It is necessary to conduct tests for other viral hepatitis. Evaluation of the stages of the disease is carried out by performing a liver biopsy using elastometric methods and fibrotests. Ultrasound capabilities are also used. Quantitative diagnosis is carried out by PCR to detect antibodies to thyroperoxidase and thyroglobulin. In addition to PCR, an ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland is used.
Key Disease Prevention Measures
- Compliance with hygiene standards.
- Avoiding messy relationships.
- Protected sexual intercourse.
- Failure to use drugs.
- Timely vaccination against hepatitis A and B.
- When visiting medical facilities, be vigilant - all instruments must be disposable and sterile.
- The same measure should be taken when visiting beauty salons and tattoo establishments.
So, these were the main reasons for the false-positive analysis for hepatitis C.