Hepatitis B Viral Load (Quantitative)
Tests Frequently booked Together
HEPATITIS B VIRUS - VIRAL LOAD (QUANTITATIVE TEST)
You will provide
Blood Sample
This test is for both
Male, Female
Test Preparation
No specified preparation needed for this test
OVERVIEW
What is HBV Quantitative?
The Hepatitis B Virus - Viral Load, Quantitative test is recommended in case of signs and symptoms of acute hepatitis such as loss of appetite, jaundice, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain.
Why is HBV Quantitative performed?
The Hepatitis B Virus - Viral Load, Quantitative test is performed for the management of patients with persistent hepatitis B infection and presently on antiviral treatment. To diagnose for hepatitis B for baseline values and at the point of the treatment to examine the response of treatment.
What does HBV Quant. Measure?
The Hepatitis B Virus - Viral Load, Quantitative test measures the actual quantity of hepatitis-B existing in a blood sample. This test assists ascertain if Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is getting reproduced in the liver. If HBV viral load is greater than 20,000 international units per milliliter (IU/mL) in a individual with detectable Hepatitis B envelope antigen (HBeAg) then it shows that the virus is lively and has the very viable to cause damage to the liver. Similarly, if HBV viral load is higher than 2,000 IU/mL in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients then it shows that the virus is alive and has the possibility to cause damage to the liver. If the HBV viral load is above these numbers, treatment is considered paramount.
INTERPRETING HBV QUANTITATIVE RESULTS
|
RESULT in IU/mL |
REMARKS |
|
Target not detected<20 |
Sample supplied does not have HBV DNA HBV DNA detected, but not up to the lower limit of linear range of the assay. These results have to be interpreted with caution |
|
>=20 to < 1.7 x 108 |
HBV DNA detected inside the linear range of the assay |
|
>=1.7 108 |
HBV DNA detected above the linear range of the assay |
Linear reporting range of the assay is 20 - 1.7 x 108 IU/mL
Conversion factor: 1 IU/mL = 5.82 copies / mL
Results are grouped into three levels
Low or undetectable viral load implies that the lab tools cannot identify it and viral load is much less than about 300 copies/mL
Moderate ranges are about 10,000 – 90,000 copies/mL
High ranges show amount over 100,000 copies/mL, which is seen as clinically significant
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
Q. How is Hepatitis B virus transferred?
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) belongs to the Hepadnavirus family of enveloped DNA viruses. It is basically transferred through body fluids, mainly serum. It can also be transmitted by means of sexual transmission or from mother to infant. Majority of the infected persons recover completely. Whereas, around 1-2% have chronic viral replication leading to chronic hepatitis. The frequency of creating a chronic HBV contamination in immunocompromised patients is around 5-10% while in neonates it reaches 80%.
Q. Why is it necessary to measure Hepatitis B Virus - Viral Load in the course of the remedy of HBV infection?
HBV DNA is measured to test if the drug is working to limit the body’s viral load. Antiviral medicines work by altering the DNA of the virus so that it cannot reproduce efficiently. Doctors measure the viral load to be sure the antiviral is working.
Q. Why is measuring viral load essential in case of pregnancy?
The pregnant ladies are screened for hepatitis B, alongside with the measurement of viral load. Pregnant ladies with high viral loads—exceeding 200,000 IU/mL—are advised to take antiviral remedy in the course of their 0.33 trimester of being pregnant in accordance to medical guidelines. This is carried out to limit the danger of infecting their newborns. Babies born to HBV-infected ladies can end up infected even if they are immunized at delivery and treated with HBIG (hepatitis B antibodies) if their mothers have excessive viral loads.
Q. How is the blood sample collected?
The medical doctor takes a blood sample from the arm. The place from where the blood is to be withdrawn is cleaned with a swab of rubbing alcohol. This is then followed by inserting a small needle which has a tube joined to it for gathering blood. Once the adequate blood for evaluation is withdrawn, the needle is removed. The place is then covered with a gauze pad.
Q. Is there any risk related with the withdrawal of blood sample?
There is no risk, except in few rare cases, bruising, bleeding, and infection at the pierce site can be seen. In a very rare case, there can be swelling of the vein after the blood is withdrawn.
Disclaimer: The information provided herein is for patient general knowledge only and should not be used during any medical emergency, for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Duplication for personal and commercial use must be authorized in writing by Surjen.com.
