HBV DNA Qualitative PCR
HBV DNA Qualitative PCR
Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Most people with hepatitis B develop a short-term illness(acute infection). But, for people with weak immune systems, the disease progresses to become a life-long condition(chronic), leading to severe liver complications, including cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure. Early diagnosis of chronic hepatitis B infection is thus crucial for clinicians to manage and prevent these sequelae among patients with hepatitis B.Â
The HBV DNA Test is a qualitative assay done on a blood sample using PCR (polymerase chain reaction) to detect tiny fragments of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in the body. The test uses special tools to amplify HBV DNA, if present. Then, it examines them for the presence of the virus. Your doctor may rely on this test to determine if you have had HBV exposure. However, the HBV DNA test is not the primary tool for diagnosing hepatitis B; instead, it is ordered for people proven to have HBV via serological testing
What is HBV DNA qualitative PCR Used For?
The HBV DNA Qualitative PCR test is used
To diagnose acute hepatitis B infection in individuals having symptoms or history of probable exposure
To diagnose certain cases of acute HBV infection that yield negative results on the Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) test
Symptoms of Hepatitis B Infection
Symptoms of hepatitis B can range from none to severe liver failure, depending on a person's immune status. Symptoms commonly include
Fatigue, Nausea & Vomiting
Pain in the upper right corner of the abdomen
Loss of appetite
Dark-colored urine and pale stools
Yellowing of the skin and Eyes (Jaundice)
Joint pain
Preparation for Test
No special preparation is required to undergo the HBV DNA Qualitative PCR test.
Interpretation of Test Results
The result of HBV DNA Qualitative PCR is reported as Â
Positive results (Detected)
This result indicates the presence of HBV DNA in the sample, suggesting active viral replication. The result should be correlated with serologic test results, patient symptoms, and clinical presentation to draw a clinical conclusion.
Negative results (Not detected)
It indicates no sign of HBV DNA in the sample, suggesting no active viral replication at the time of testing. However, it does not necessarily rule out HBV infection. Follow-up testing is necessary
FAQs
When should you check for HBV DNA?
According to clinical standards, patients infected with hepatitis B should have their HBV DNA levels evaluated before beginning treatment and every three to six months while on antiviral therapy
What does it mean when hepatitis B DNA is detected?
The presence of HBV DNA in the blood is a sign of active viral replication. So, when a person contracts HBV, the viral DNA can be found in their blood 30 days after infection, peaking during acute hepatitis(more than 108Â copies/mL)Â and then gradually decreasing until it disappears on its own
Can the HBV DNA Qualitative PCR test be used for screening HBV infection?
No, this test isn't used for routine screening of HBV infection. Instead, Â it is offered for people with a known or suspected HBV infection based on serological testing
How does the HBV DNA qualitative PCR test differ from the HBV DNA quantitative RT-PCR test?
While both HBV DNA qualitative and quantitative PCR tests are used to detect hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in the blood, they serve distinct purposes.
The qualitative HBV DNA test detects the presence or absence of HBV DNA and helps diagnose acute HBV infection. In contrast, the quantitative PCR test determines the amount (or "viral load") of HBV DNA in the blood, indicating the level of viral replication in the body. This test is specifically used to predict disease progression, assess infection severity, determine antiviral therapy, and monitor treatment effectiveness
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