Question 1

What is Chronic Active Hepatitis?

Accepted Answer

Chronic active hepatitis is a severe form of liver inflammation characterized by ongoing liver damage and progressive scarring (fibrosis). It is caused by the immune system attacking liver tissue in an autoimmune response, leading to continuous hepatocyte destruction. The Smooth Muscle Antibody with Reflex to Titer test is the most important test for diagnosis because it detects the autoimmune markers attacking the liver.

Question 2

What causes chronic active hepatitis?

Accepted Answer

Chronic active hepatitis is caused by an autoimmune response where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy liver cells. In autoimmune hepatitis, immune cells produce antibodies that target liver tissue, leading to ongoing inflammation and progressive damage. This continuous immune attack causes liver cells to die and be replaced by scar tissue, eventually leading to cirrhosis if left untreated.

Question 3

What is the best test for chronic active hepatitis?

Accepted Answer

The Smooth Muscle Antibody with Reflex to Titer test is the most important test for chronic active hepatitis because it detects the specific autoimmune antibodies attacking liver tissue. This test identifies smooth muscle antibodies (SMA), which are hallmark markers of autoimmune liver disease and help distinguish autoimmune hepatitis from other liver conditions. Additionally, the Copper, Serum or Plasma test serves as a valuable supporting test because elevated copper levels indicate liver damage severity, as copper accumulates in damaged liver tissue and spills into the bloodstream. Together, these tests provide a comprehensive picture of both the autoimmune activity and the extent of liver dysfunction.

Question 4

When should I get tested for chronic active hepatitis?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience persistent fatigue, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), upper right abdominal pain, dark urine, or unexplained weight loss. Testing is especially important if you have a family history of autoimmune diseases, other autoimmune conditions like thyroid disease or lupus, or abnormal liver enzyme levels found in routine blood work. Early detection through blood testing allows for timely treatment that can prevent progression to cirrhosis and liver failure.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of chronic active hepatitis?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms of chronic active hepatitis include persistent fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes), dark-colored urine, pale stools, and abdominal pain in the upper right side. You might notice loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, nausea, and joint pain. Some people also experience itchy skin, easy bruising or bleeding, and swelling in the legs or abdomen as the disease progresses. Early stages may have mild or no symptoms, which is why blood testing is crucial for diagnosis.

Question 6

Who is at risk for chronic active hepatitis?

Accepted Answer

Women are at higher risk than men, particularly those between ages 15 and 40 or after menopause. People with other autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes, thyroid disease, celiac disease, or rheumatoid arthritis have increased risk. A family history of autoimmune hepatitis or other autoimmune conditions also raises your risk. Certain genetic factors and previous viral infections can trigger the autoimmune response that leads to chronic active hepatitis.

Question 7

What happens if chronic active hepatitis is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated chronic active hepatitis leads to progressive liver scarring (cirrhosis), which permanently damages the liver and impairs its ability to function. As cirrhosis advances, you can develop life-threatening complications including liver failure, portal hypertension, fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites), bleeding from enlarged veins, and hepatic encephalopathy (brain dysfunction due to toxin buildup). Without treatment, chronic active hepatitis significantly increases the risk of liver cancer and may eventually require a liver transplant.

Question 8

Can chronic active hepatitis be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, chronic active hepatitis is primarily diagnosed through blood tests that detect autoimmune markers and assess liver function. The Smooth Muscle Antibody test identifies the autoimmune antibodies attacking liver tissue, while liver enzyme tests (ALT, AST) show inflammation levels. Additional blood tests measure copper levels, immunoglobulin levels, and other antibodies. Your doctor may also order imaging studies or a liver biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of liver damage, but blood tests are the essential first step.

Question 9

How is chronic active hepatitis treated?

Accepted Answer

Chronic active hepatitis is treated with immunosuppressive medications that reduce the immune system's attack on the liver. Prednisone (a corticosteroid) is typically the first-line treatment, often combined with azathioprine to allow for lower steroid doses and reduce side effects. Treatment usually continues for at least two years and sometimes lifelong to prevent disease relapse. Your doctor will monitor your response through regular blood tests measuring liver enzymes and antibody levels. In severe cases with advanced cirrhosis, liver transplantation may be necessary.

Question 10

How can I prevent chronic active hepatitis?

Accepted Answer

Because chronic active hepatitis is an autoimmune condition, there is no guaranteed way to prevent it. However, you can reduce your risk by avoiding triggers that may activate autoimmune responses, such as certain medications and toxins. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding excessive alcohol helps support overall liver health. If you have other autoimmune conditions or a family history, regular health screenings and blood tests can help detect the disease early when treatment is most effective.

Question 11

What can I do at home to support my liver with chronic active hepatitis?

Accepted Answer

You can support your liver health by completely avoiding alcohol, which worsens liver damage. Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while limiting processed foods and saturated fats. Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy weight to reduce additional stress on your liver. Get adequate rest to combat fatigue, and avoid medications or supplements that can harm the liver without consulting your doctor. Regular gentle exercise like walking can improve overall health, but always follow your treatment plan and attend regular blood test monitoring.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Chronic Active Hepatitis Blood Test

What is Chronic Active Hepatitis?

What causes chronic active hepatitis?

What is the best test for chronic active hepatitis?

When should I get tested for chronic active hepatitis?

References

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