Hepatitis B Viral HBV Test

What is Hepatitis B Viral – HBV Test?

Hepatitis B Viral load test is a blood test that is used to measure the level of Hepatitis B DNA Viral load in the blood.

Why take Hepatitis B Viral – HBV Test?

This test may be ordered for you if

• It is suspected that you have come in contact with someone suffering from Hepatitis B. Hepatitis B is severely contagious and hence immediate monitoring is important.
• In pregnancy to avoid complications to the fetus; hepatitis B is screened for in pregnant women
• If you have travelled to a place where occurrence of Hepatitis B is high

Is this test for you?

Your doctor may order this test for you if you display symptoms of a Hepatitis B infection. Sometimes Hepatitis B infection may be acute, and symptoms may not be visible for months. Fatigue, passing dark urine, pain in the joints, fever, abdominal discomfort and jaundice like yellowing of the eyes and skin may indicate Hepatitis B.

More about Hepatitis B Viral – HBV Test

HBV test is performed to confirm Hepatitis B and during the treatment and after the treatment of Hepatitis B. Hepatitis B is contagious and spreads through contact with infected blood, unsterilized infected needles or through sexual transmission. Hepatitis B does not spread through cough or sneezing or even breastfeeding. You may carry a Hepatitis B infection without displaying any symptoms, but you will still be contagious. Symptoms may not sometimes appear even after 3 months of exposure. Hepatitis B may also be transmitted to the baby from the mother during childbirth.

Reference Values

Broad linear range from 20 – 1.7 x 10 IU/mL

Interpretations

When report shows Undetected it means that HBV DNA is not found in the sample
When results are lower than <10 IU/mL, follow up testing is recommended in 2-3 months
A quantitative result expressed in IU/mL and log IU/mL indicates the degree of active HBV viral replication in the patient. Monitoring HBV DNA levels over time is important for assessing disease progression or monitoring a patient's response to anti-HBV therapy.
Test results over >9.00 log IU/mL indicates the presence of active HBV viral replication.