How is hepatitis B diagnosed?
Blood tests can detect signs of the hepatitis B virus in your body and tell your doctor whether it’s acute or chronic. A simple blood test can also determine if you’re immune to the condition. Liver ultrasound. A special ultrasound called transient elastography can show the amount of liver damage.
What is HBsAg test?
The “Hepatitis B Panel” of Blood Tests HBsAg (Hepatitis B surface antigen) – A “positive” or “reactive” HBsAg test result means that the person is infected with hepatitis B. This test can detect the actual presence of the hepatitis B virus (called the “surface antigen”) in your blood.
What is a PCR test for Hep C?
Overview. The HCV RNA PCR test is used to determine whether the hepatitis C virus (HCV) exists in your bloodstream. If the virus is present, the test can also measure the exact amount that’s in your blood. The amount of virus in your blood is known as the viral load.
Is hepatitis B treatable?
Most adults with hepatitis B recover fully, even if their signs and symptoms are severe. Infants and children are more likely to develop a chronic (long-lasting) hepatitis B infection. A vaccine can prevent hepatitis B, but there’s no cure if you have the condition.
What is the confirmatory test for hepatitis B?
A reactive screen result (signal-to-cutoff ratio > or =1.00, but < or =100.0) confirmed as positive by a hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) confirmatory test is indicative of acute or chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection or chronic HBV carrier state.
What is HBs positive?
HBsAg (hepatitis B surface antigen): when this is “positive” or “reactive,” it means the person is currently infected with hepatitis B and is able to pass the infection on to others.
Why did my doctor order a hep C test?
People can live without symptoms or feeling sick, so testing is the only way to know if you have hepatitis C. Getting tested is important to find out if you are infected so you can get lifesaving treatment that can cure hepatitis C.