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.
The viruses are spread in different ways and cause different symptoms:
Hepatitis B: Is an infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus. Hepatitis B blood test detects viral
proteins (antigens) and the antibodies produced in response to an infection. Hepatitis B virus 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 B Virus infections can vary from a mild form that lasts only a few weeks to a more serious
chronic form lasting years. Chronic hepatitis b virus leads to serious conditions such as liver cirrhosis or
cancer. Some of the stages of hepatitis B virus include,
- Acute infection: The presence of signs and symptoms with a positive HBV test
- Chronic infection: persistent infection with the virus detected accompanied by inflammation of the liver
- Carrier state: persistent infection (determined by HBV tests) but no liver inflammation (a carrier is someone who may appear to be in good health but harbors the virus and can potentially infect others)
Hepatitis C Virus causes liver infection and damage. It 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. No Vaccine for the prevention of the hepatitis C virus is available.
WHAT DOES THE TEST MEASURES?
For the screening package Hepatitis B test includes three findings/tests:
- HBsAg (Hepatitis B Surface Antigen)
- Anti- Hbs or Hb sAb (Hepatitis B Surface Antibody)
- Anti-Hbc or HbcAb ( Hepatitis B core antibody)
Hepatitis C test includes:
Anti-HCV antibodies: proteins made by the body when exposed to hepatitis C infection. They usually
show up 12 weeks after the infection.
INTERPRETATION OF THE RESULT:
Normal Results
A normal result means no hepatitis antibodies are found in the blood sample. This is called a negative
result.
Abnormal Results
A positive test is considered abnormal.
FOR HEPATITIS B:
? Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg): an active hepatitis B infection, either recent or chronic
? Antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (Anti-HBc): recent or past hepatitis B infection
? Antibody to HBsAg (Anti-HBs): past hepatitis B infection or you have received the hepatitis B vaccine
and are unlikely to become infected
? Hepatitis B type e antigen (HBeAg): a chronic hepatitis B infection and you are more likely to spread
the infection to others through sexual contact or by sharing needles
FOR HEPATITIS C:
- Non-Reactive or negative: No hepatitis C virus found
- Reactive or positive: Hepatitis C antibodies are present
WHY GET TESTED?
Hepatitis B and C profiles are performed if symptoms of liver damage are obvious. These symptoms
include:
- Jaundice
- Dark-colored urine
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
Hepatitis B and C profiles are needed if there are certain risk factors:
- Use of illegal, injectable drugs
- Have HIV
- Are on kidney dialysis
- Are a healthcare worker
- Have been exposed to blood during any surgical treatment
- Are in close contact with a person infected with hepatitis
Hepatitis B and C profile are also performed to:
- Screen for acute or chronic hepatitis B or C infection
- Diagnose acute or chronic hepatitis B or C infection
- To monitor the treatment of hepatitis B or C infection
