OVERVIEW
Hepatitis is a medical condition that results in inflammation and enlargement of the liver. One of the most common causes of acute hepatitis is infection with a hepatitis virus, usually hepatitis A, hepatitis B or hepatitis c. Hepatitis profile is a group of blood tests performed together to help diagnose viral hepatitis.
The viruses are spread in different ways and cause different symptoms:
Hepatitis A is spread by contact with contaminated feces (stool) or by eating tainted food. Though uncommon, it can also be spread through sexual contact with an infected person. Most people recover from hepatitis A without any lasting liver damage.
Hepatitis B is spread through contact with infected blood, semen, or other bodily fluids. Some people recover quickly from a hepatitis B infection. For others, the virus can cause long-term, chronic liver disease.
Hepatitis C is most often spread by contact with infected blood, usually through the sharing of hypodermic needles. Though uncommon, it can also be spread through sexual contact with an infected person. Many people with hepatitis C develop chronic liver disease and cirrhosis.
WHAT DOES THE TEST MEASURES?
A hepatitis profile includes tests for hepatitis antibodies and antigens. Antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system to help fight infections. Antigens are substances that cause an immune response. A hepatitis profile typically includes,
- Hepatitis A antibody, IgM
- Hepatitis B testing: Hepatitis B core antibody, IgM and Hepatitis B surface Ag
- Hepatitis C antibody
INTERPRETATION OF THE RESULT:
Hepatitis A Hepatitis B Ag Anti-hepatitis B core, IgM Anti-hepatitis C Interpretation
Positive Negative Negative Negative Acute hepatitis A
Negative Positive Positive Negative Acute hepatitis B
Negative Positive Negative Negative Chronic hepatitis B infection
Negative Negative Negative Positive Acute or chronic hepatitis C
WHY GET TESTED?
Hepatitis profile is performed if symptoms of liver damage are obvious. These symptoms include:
- Jaundice
- Dark-colored urine
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
Hepatitis profile is needed if there are certain risk factors.
- Use of illegal, injectable drugs
- Have been exposed to blood during any surgical treatment
- Are in close contact with a person infected with hepatitis
