Title : Hepatitis viral studies
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| Short Description : Blood test
Explanation of Test: These measurements are used in the differential diagnosis of viral hepatitis. Tests can be done to detect hepatitis A, hepatitis B and non-A/non-B, also known as hepatitis C.
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Hepatitis A
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Hepatitis A, also known as infectious hepatitis, is transmitted via oral-fecal route and has short incubation period of only 2-6 weeks. Laboratory tests detect antibodies formed against hepatitis A virus (HAV). Detection of HAV-Ab /IgM indicates early acute state of hepatitis A infection. Detection of HAV-Ab /IgG is indicative of previous exposure and immunity to hepatitis A.
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Reference range:Negative for Hepatitis A antibody (HAV-AB IgM and IgG)
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| Hepatitis B
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| Hepatitis B, transmitted by blood transfusion, contaminated needles, and sexual activity, has a long incubation period of 1-6 months. Both virus and antibodies against this virus can be detected in the laboratory.
The assessment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) involves use of three markers, which are indicative of the progression of the infection. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) represents initial stage of infection and shows itself 4 to 12 weeks after infection. Appearance of Hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb) occurs within 6 weeks of infection and is present until 14th week. Finally, hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) appears at 4 to 10 months after infection indicating recovery and immunity to Hepatitis virus. |
Normal findings
Normal findings should be negative (non-reactive) for all test results A positive result has the following implications:
Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg): Reactive -indicates early active HBV infection if present with high levels of liver enzymes or carrier state if liver enzymes are normal
Hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb): Reactive -indicates previous exposure and resultant immunity to hepatitis B; this is the marker for permanent immunity; a booster dose is recommended if levels fall below 10 mIU/Ml
Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg): Reactive - suggests acute active stage and highly infectious hepatitis
Hepatitis B e antibody (anti-HBe, HBeAb): Positive result suggests later stages of acute infection and reduction of infectious state
Hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc IgM, HBcAb): Positive result is indicative of convalescent stage, i.e. past infection stage.
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| Hepatitis C |
| Hepatitis C also known as nonA/non B hepatitis has a short incubation time of 2-12 weeks and is transmitted through blood transfusions. Laboratory anti-HCV tests will give a positive result for acute and chronic hepatitis C infection |
| Normal findings: Negative for Hepatitis C antibody (anti-HCV) |
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