[berry22]

Has anyone accepted a referral or had any experience with a child that tested positive for Hep C antibodies? The test was done very early and there has not been a follow up yet. I just do not know very much about it and am looking for any advice or help about this. Thank you in advance for any thoughts anyone can give.

[ProspectiveSingleMom]

I used to work in a psych. hospital where we had some Hep. C positive patients. I also worked with someone once who was a carrier for Hep. B, but didn't actually have it himself. I don't know if it's possible to be just a carrier for Hep. C, though.

Hep. C is a bloodborn pathogen that is spread by blood-to-blood contact.

[Javalita]

Our DS had a positive HepC antibodies early on. PCR test was done at approx 4 months of age. All subsequent testing showed negative.

Ask them to do a PCR test (I think it was called). They will do this for you and it will show the most accurate and recent findings.

[Ebadge90]

My son was born Hep C positive, as well as HIV positive. Frm what were told, and I'm sure others on her ewill confim what I am saying, is that for the most part, HEP C antibodies are passed on to the fetus through the placenta. Rarely is the child incected with the virus. The rule of thumb is that 3 negative tests on the child confirm the absence of the virus.
We had 3 tests done in Russia before we adopted, but we stuill had our pediatrician re-test when we got back to the US. Both HIV and HEP C tests came back negative both in Russia and the US. Our child is disease free.

[cindyc]

We had much the same experience as Javalita. Our son had antibodies, but when further testing for the exact strain of hep c was done, it was determined that he did not have the disease. This testing was done both here and in Russia - same results.

For what it's worth, our son is now absolutely healthy, happy, smart, good looking, etc., etc. - a wonderful little guy.

Best wishes in your journey, Cindyc

[justmp]

Our DD was Hep C positive at birth and her birthmother does have Hep C. DD tested negative before her adoption and it has never been an issue.

[Kasey]

Yes, our gusy was positive for both Hep C and B, apparently, though when we got there it was only C according to hosp records. Bmom had chronic hep c.
They were unable to do the PCR in our region as it would have to be shipped to St. Pete so they couldn't guarentee the accuracy.
We talked to a specialist and felt comfortable no matter what.
He was restested on trip 1 at 12 months of age and was negative. He had to have it again for emabassy bloodwork (13months old) and was negative.
We had him retested once home and was negative here.
No issues and aside from well controlled asthma, he is very healthy.

[berry22]

Thank you all so much. Your responses give me such peace of mind. I have researched the statistics, but it is so much better to hear from those who have experienced it.

You have all made me feel better!!! Thanks!

[waiter]

Like the others had a positive Hep C initially. Checks later on came back negative. The initial positive one only really tells you that Mom had it. The best test is the PCR but it is spendier for them to do in Russia and so they don't do it as often. Make sure you look at the "dates" of all tests not just results and ask your IA doctor or your pediatirican what the best time to do the tests would be.

[amyfk]

From what I recall if a child has HEp C antibodies, you have to wait until the child is 18mo of age to know whether he/she actually has the disease or the antibodies,. From what I remember, there is only a 5% chance that a child with Hep C antibodies has the actual Hep C virus. So you have to go with what you are comfortable with. Best of luck,
Amy K, NJ

[papedge]

Our son was born with it he will be home 5 years this november and he is neg. has been neg. sence they did his PCR test. good luck

Kimberley

[amanda_p]

Both of my kids tested positive for hep c antibodies but tested negative later on.

[berry22]

Thank you all again! We are going to be able to have the PCR done prior travel. I really do appreciate your help!

[kittin23]

Hi -

Just wanted to add one more to the record. Our son showed posiive for Hep C shortly after birth. Two tests showed neg before travel and tests showed negative here in the US. we were very nervous as well but our doctor told us that he had a 5-7% chance of having Hep C. We felt those were good odds and went with our gut. I couldnt imagine my life without him now.

Tray