What is the risk of HCV transmission after condom failure?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have a question about hepatitis C.

I had vaginal sex with a condom, but unfortunately, the condom was torn during the sex, and I stopped it. Is there any possibility for me to get hepatitis C in this way? (Actually, I do not know her). I have tested for HCV blood test 60 days after exposure, and it was negative. If I get it tested at 90 days, will it be conclusive? Or should I repeat the test?

Thanks for your help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I want to know which test you use to check for hepatitis C?

If this were a high quantitative PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test and if it were negative, then you would be completely safe. If it were an antibody test and was negative, then I suggest confirming with a quantitative HCV PCR (hepatitis C virus polymerase chain reaction) test. The antibody response to HCV viral infection is slow. Hence, a negative antibody test does not confirm the absence of infection. This means it can be a false negative. Quantitative HCV PCR, if negative, can rule out the infection. For example, if you were exposed, then the PCR test can come positive as early as 1 to 2 weeks.

Do screen yourself for other sexually transmitted diseases, HBV (hepatitis B), and HIV (human immunodeficiency virus).

I hope this will help you understand things.