Hepatitis Profile, Comprehensive
Hepatitis Profile, Comprehensive
Hepatitis is a liver disease that causes inflammation and enlargement of the organ, leading to dysfunction. While the disease has various causes, the most common is a viral infection known as viral hepatitis.
The hepatitis profile comprises a series of blood tests capable of detecting the presence of hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and hepatitis E virus (HEV), the most common causes of viral hepatitis in India. If you have elevated liver enzyme levels without an apparent reason, the hepatitis profile test can help your doctor determine whether you are currently infected with viral hepatitis or have had it in the past just by examining specific parts of the virus (antigens) and the antibodies produced in response.
What is a Hepatitis Profile, Comprehensive used For?
The Hepatitis Profile Comprehensive test is performed
To diagnose viral hepatitis in patients with abnormal liver enzyme values and related clinical symptoms
To determine whether the viral hepatitis infection is self-limited or has a chronic course
For early detection and treatment of chronic hepatitis B and C
To assess whether a person is immune to different viral hepatitis due to immunization or recovery from a preceding illness
Symptoms of Hepatitis
All hepatitis viruses manifest similar signs of illness, although may occur varying degrees. The most common signs include
Yellowing of skin and white of the eye
Pain in the upper right part of the belly
Nause and vomiting
Loss of appetite
Clay-colored stools and dark urine
Extreme tiredness
Muscle and joint pain
Which tests are included in the Hpatitits Profile, Comprehensive?
The hepatitis profile offered by Lupin Diagnostics includes eight tests:
· Hepatitis A Virus IgM Antibody (HAV IgM)
· Hepatitis A Virus Total Antibody (HAV Total)
· Hepatitis B core IgM & Total (HBc IgM and Total)
· Hepatitis B surface Antigen (HBsAg), CLIA/ELISA
· Hepatitis B Virus surface Antibody(HBs Ab)
· Hepatitis C Antibodies (HCV), CLIA/ELISA
· Hepatitis E Virus IgG Antibody (HEV IgG)
Hepatitis E Virus IgM Antibody (HEV IgM)
Preparation for Test
No specific preparation is required for the hepatitis profile test. But, make sure to refrain from taking biotin supplements 48 hours before. Also, inform your doctor about any preexisting medical conditions or allergies you may have.
Interpretation of Test Results
The results of the tests included in the hepatitis profile are interpreted as follows:
- Hepatitis A Virus IgM Antibody (HAV IgM): Presence of HAV IgM is usually suggestive of a recent HAV infection. It aids in the differential diagnosis of individuals with recent infections who aren't vaccinated.
- Hepatitis A Virus Total Antibody (HAV Total): Presence of a total HAV antibody is consistent with ongoing HAV infection or immunity from prior HAV vaccination or resolution of infection.
- Hepatitis B core IgM and Total (HBc IgM and Total): The presence of HBc IgM is consistent with the recent infection of the hepatitis B virus (<6 months). Meanwhile, total HBcAb indicates past, current, or resolved HBV infection.
· Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), CLIA/ELISA: Presence of HBsAg indicates a person is infectious or has had a successful vaccination.
· Hepatitis B Virus Surface Antibody (HBs Ab): Presence of HBs Ab is consistent with recovery and lifelong immunity from hepatitis B virus infection.
· Hepatitis C Antibodies (HCV), CLIA/ELISA: Presence of HCV antibodies indicates that the person has had the virus at some point, but it does not necessarily imply that they have it now.
· Hepatitis E Virus IgG Antibody (HEV IgG): Presence of HEV IgG indicates resolved or past exposure to hepatitis E infection and provides short-term protection from the disease.
Hepatitis E Virus IgM Antibody (HEV IgM): The presence of HEV IgM provides a definitive diagnosis of acute or recent (<6 months) hepatitis E infection. These antibodies are detectable between 1 and 4 weeks after infection.
FAQs
What is the difference between HAV, HBV, HCV, and HEV?
HAV, HBV, HCV, and HEV are distinct viruses with varying modes of transmission, and how each affects the body and the liver in general.
For example, HAV and HEV spread through contaminated food and drink, resulting in self-limited liver infection. HBV and HCV spread via infected bodily fluids to cause chronic liver infection and long-lasting irreversible damage.
How can you prevent viral hepatitis?
Some safe and effective vaccines are available to prevent hepatitis caused by HAV and HBV, but sadly none exist to prevent HCV. Therefore, the best way to prevent HCV infection is to abstain from risk-increasing activities, such as the use of injectable drugs, syringes, or needles or having unprotected sex with those infected with HIV. Moreover, always use a condom during sex.
How is the Hepatitis Profile test performed?
The Hepatitis profile test is performed by collecting a blood sample from a vein in the arm using a needle. This sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
What factors could alter my test results?
As with any laboratory test, our hepatitis profile test may produce a false-positive result if you have previously been exposed to viral hepatitis. This means that even if you do not have an infection now, it might appear as you do.
Can hepatitis be detected early with a hepatitis profile test?
Besides clinical symptoms, your doctor can use a hepatitis profile test to detect hepatitis in the early stages of infection.
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