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Suggest Tests To Detect Hepatitis-C Infection

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Posted on Fri, 9 Oct 2015
Question: what is the reason labs use signal to cut off values with hep c testing
doctor
Answered by Dr. Abhijit Sonawane (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
To know the positive predictive value of the test

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting in HCM.
There are multiple tests to test for Hep C infection.
Each test that is used is a screening test to detect hep C at first level.
There are certain measurements to see whether a screening test is really good enough to be believed upon. There comes the role of signal to cut off values.
It gives a cut off value for the specified test to prove that the test is reliable, if it is above the cut off value given for the specific test.
It will be helpful for me to explain you in detail if you put up a picture of the report here for me to see and comment upon.
Waiting for your reply.
Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Abhijit Sonawane (1 hour later)
do they just provide it even with negative results
doctor
Answered by Dr. Abhijit Sonawane (7 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Yes they have to provide with whatever the result is

Detailed Answer:
Hello, thanks for following up.
Yes they have to mention and provide the cut off values no matter what the report is. Because the cut off value is for the test as in the sensitivity and specificity if the test to be accurate to pick up the disease.
That is why they have to provide it in report after which the doctor will interpret the report and decide whether it is positive or negative.
I hope this answers you query.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Abhijit Sonawane (47 minutes later)
so even if test negative you will still get a cut off value and interpretation ....
doctor
Answered by Dr. Abhijit Sonawane (8 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Yes they have to give it to help interpretation by the doctor

Detailed Answer:
Hello, yes they have to give the values so as to help interpretation of the values given and arrive to diagnosis. However this is not a confirmatory test for it. HCV RNA load will confirmatory tell you whether infection is there or not.
If you have the report kindly upload it here so as I can have a look at it and tell you properly.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Abhijit Sonawane (15 minutes later)
I don't have my labs back yet I just didn't know what it meant when it said hep c ab signal cut off value pending .....that just means test is pending nothing more correct
doctor
Answered by Dr. Abhijit Sonawane (17 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Yes. and its a reference value. nothing more

Detailed Answer:
So your test is not back yet.
Whenever we do any blood test for anything, there is a reference value with which we compare the test result and decide whether the result is positive or negative.
It is mandatory for every lab for every study to give the reference values along with the test result so as to compare with the reference and decide about the results.
So even if the result is negative, still the cut off value will be given so as to compare with the result value. It does not mean that patient is having the disease.
I hope I have cleared your doubt and helped with your question.
Thank you
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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Answered by
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Dr. Abhijit Sonawane

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2011

Answered : 603 Questions

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Suggest Tests To Detect Hepatitis-C Infection

Brief Answer: To know the positive predictive value of the test Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for posting in HCM. There are multiple tests to test for Hep C infection. Each test that is used is a screening test to detect hep C at first level. There are certain measurements to see whether a screening test is really good enough to be believed upon. There comes the role of signal to cut off values. It gives a cut off value for the specified test to prove that the test is reliable, if it is above the cut off value given for the specific test. It will be helpful for me to explain you in detail if you put up a picture of the report here for me to see and comment upon. Waiting for your reply. Thank you.