Tests for hepatitis B

What is hepatitis?

Hepatitis B is the world's most common serious liver infection. The hepatitis B virus attacks and injures the liver, causing it to become infected. Two billion people (or one in every three) have been infected, and approximately 300 million people have chronic hepatitis B infection. Despite the fact that hepatitis B is preventable and treatable, up to one million people die each year.

How is it spread?

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) spreads through the blood and bodily fluids of infected people. It can be transmitted to others through direct contact with blood, the use of contaminated or unsterile needles, and from an infected woman to her newborn during pregnancy or childbirth.

What is a hepatitis B test?

This test is used to determine if you have chronic or acute hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. It may also be used to screen for a previous, resolved hepatitis B infection or to monitor treatment.

Hepatitis B is a liver illness caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). This test aids in the detection of antibodies that are generated in response to an infection. The pattern of test results can identify a current active infection, determine if a patient has been exposed to HBV in the past, or determine if a patient has developed immunity from vaccination.

What does the test look for?

Hepatitis B testing looks for antigens, antibodies, or the hepatitis B virus's genetic material. HBV antigens are virus-derived substances that elicit an immune response in a patient's body. Antibodies are proteins that the immune system produces in reaction to the hepatitis B virus. Visit Aspira Pathlab & Diagnostics Limited as it is one of the best Pathology labs in Mumbai.

Initial hepatitis B testing detects antibodies and antigens associated with HBV, such as:

Hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs): The body naturally produces hepatitis B surface antibodies in response to hepatitis B surface antigens within a few weeks or months. The presence of anti-HBs indicates that a patient has recovered from hepatitis B and is no longer susceptible to the disease. These antibodies are also seen in people who have already been exposed to HBV, such as via vaccination.

Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg): Hepatitis B surface antigens are proteins found on the hepatitis B virus's surface. These proteins may be seen in high concentrations during both acute and chronic hepatitis B infections. This test may be used to screen for, identify, and aid in the diagnosis of acute and chronic HBV infections.

Total hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc): Hepatitis B core antibodies appear as soon as a patient develops hepatitis symptoms. This test's results are interpreted in conjunction with other tests to assess recovery from a previous HBV infection and to distinguish between acute and chronic infections. This test detects two types of anti-HBc antibodies: IgM anti-HBc antibodies and IgG anti-HBc antibodies.

IgM Hepatitis B core antibody (IgM anti-HBc): Only IgM anti-HBc antibodies are detected by this test. Only in acute hepatitis B infections within six months of infection is IgM Hepatitis B core antibody detected.

If a patient is diagnosed with hepatitis B based on these preliminary tests, additional hepatitis B testing may be performed to monitor the disease, guide treatment, and determine whether a person can transmit hepatitis B to others. 

Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg): Hepatitis B e antigen is a protein identified in certain individuals who test positive for hepatitis B surface antigen. Measuring this antigen may assist clinicians in understanding infectivity, which refers to a person's capacity to transfer HBV to others.

Hepatitis B e antibody (anti-HBe): An anti-HBe antibody is one that the body produces in response to the hepatitis B e antigen. The absence of HBeAg and the presence of anti-HBe in the blood is referred to as seroconversion, and it indicates that the situation has improved and predicts long-term viral clearance. Because chronic liver disease is more prevalent in HBeAg patients and less common in anti-HBe patients, this test might be utilized to monitor acute HBV infections.

Hepatitis B viral DNA tests identify the virus's genetic material and assess the viral load in the blood. A positive test means the virus is replicating in a person's body, making that person infectious. The test is often used to assess the efficacy of antiviral medication in persons with chronic HBV infections.

So if you are facing any symptoms of Hepatitis B, Visit Aspira diagnostic center as it is one of the best Diagnostic centre in Mumbai.

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