Chronic Hepatitis Blood Test

What is Chronic Hepatitis?

Chronic hepatitis is long-term inflammation of the liver that persists for at least six months. It is caused by viral infections like hepatitis B and C, autoimmune disorders, or prolonged exposure to toxins and alcohol. The Hepatitis Panel Acute with Reflex Confirmation is the most important test for diagnosing chronic hepatitis because it detects viral markers and confirms persistent infection.

RECOMMENDED TEST Hepatitis Panel Acute, w/ Ref Confirmation
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What causes chronic hepatitis?

Chronic hepatitis is caused by viral infections, primarily hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV), which account for most cases worldwide. These viruses attack liver cells and trigger ongoing inflammation that can last for years or even decades. Other causes include autoimmune hepatitis where your immune system mistakenly attacks liver tissue, prolonged alcohol abuse, certain medications, and metabolic disorders like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The viral forms are particularly concerning because they can silently damage your liver over time without obvious symptoms until significant scarring has occurred.

What is the best test for chronic hepatitis?

The Hepatitis Panel Acute with Reflex Confirmation is the most important test for chronic hepatitis because it detects specific viral markers that indicate whether hepatitis B or C viruses are present in your blood. This comprehensive panel measures antibodies and antigens that reveal both current infection and your immune response, with reflex testing providing confirmation when initial results show viral activity. A moderate index value indicates your body has not been able to clear the virus, signaling a chronic infection that requires monitoring. Additional tests like the Rheumatoid Factor test can help assess the inflammatory impact on your body, as elevated rheumatoid factor levels often appear in chronic hepatitis patients and indicate systemic inflammation that may affect multiple organs beyond the liver.

When should I get tested for chronic hepatitis?

You should get tested if you have persistent fatigue, unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain or discomfort in your upper right side, yellowing of your skin or eyes, or dark urine lasting more than a few weeks. Testing is also crucial if you have a history of injection drug use, received blood transfusions before 1992, were born to a mother with hepatitis, have had unprotected sex with multiple partners, or work in healthcare with potential exposure to blood. Early detection through blood testing is essential because chronic hepatitis often has no symptoms in its early stages, yet the virus continues damaging your liver and can progress to cirrhosis or liver cancer if left untreated.

What are the symptoms of chronic hepatitis?
Chronic hepatitis often develops silently with no noticeable symptoms for years, which is why it is called a silent disease. When symptoms do appear, you might experience persistent fatigue that does not improve with rest, loss of appetite, mild fever, nausea, vague abdominal discomfort, and joint pain. As liver damage progresses, more serious signs develop including jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes), dark urine, pale stools, easy bruising or bleeding, swelling in your legs and abdomen, confusion, and spider-like blood vessels on your skin. Many people only discover they have chronic hepatitis during routine blood work or when complications arise, making regular screening critical for those at risk.
Who is at risk for chronic hepatitis?
People at highest risk include those who inject drugs or share needles, individuals who received blood transfusions or organ transplants before 1992, healthcare workers exposed to blood, people born to mothers with hepatitis B or C, those with HIV infection, and individuals who have had multiple sexual partners or unprotected sex. Your risk also increases if you were born in regions where hepatitis B and C are common such as Asia, Africa, or Eastern Europe, if you have been on long-term kidney dialysis, or if you have tattoos or piercings done with non-sterile equipment. Additionally, people with certain medical conditions requiring frequent blood exposure, men who have sex with men, and individuals living with someone who has chronic hepatitis face elevated risk and should consider regular screening.
What happens if chronic hepatitis is left untreated?
Untreated chronic hepatitis leads to progressive liver damage through a process called fibrosis, where healthy liver tissue is gradually replaced by scar tissue. Over 20 to 30 years, this scarring can advance to cirrhosis, a condition where your liver becomes severely damaged and loses its ability to function properly, causing life-threatening complications like liver failure, internal bleeding, fluid accumulation in your abdomen, and hepatic encephalopathy where toxins affect your brain. People with chronic hepatitis B or C also face a significantly increased risk of developing liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma), even before cirrhosis develops. Early diagnosis through blood testing and appropriate treatment can slow or stop this progression, reduce viral levels, prevent complications, and dramatically improve your long-term prognosis and quality of life.
Can chronic hepatitis be diagnosed with a blood test?
Yes, blood tests are the primary method for diagnosing chronic hepatitis and provide essential information about viral presence, liver function, and disease severity. The Hepatitis Panel Acute with Reflex Confirmation detects specific viral antigens and antibodies that identify hepatitis B and C infections and distinguish between acute and chronic cases. Additional blood tests measure liver enzymes like ALT and AST which become elevated when liver cells are damaged, as well as bilirubin levels, albumin, and clotting factors that indicate how well your liver is functioning. Inflammatory markers such as rheumatoid factor may also be elevated in chronic hepatitis. Viral load testing quantifies the amount of virus in your bloodstream, helping doctors assess disease activity and monitor treatment response without requiring invasive liver biopsies in many cases.
How is chronic hepatitis treated?
Treatment for chronic hepatitis depends on the specific virus and severity of liver damage. Chronic hepatitis C is now highly curable with direct-acting antiviral medications taken for 8 to 12 weeks, achieving cure rates above 95 percent with minimal side effects. Chronic hepatitis B is managed with antiviral medications like tenofovir or entecavir that suppress viral replication and reduce liver inflammation, though treatment is often long-term since the virus cannot be completely eliminated. Autoimmune hepatitis is treated with corticosteroids and immunosuppressants to reduce inflammation. Lifestyle modifications are crucial for all types, including complete abstinence from alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding medications that stress the liver, and getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and B if not already immune. Regular monitoring through blood tests helps doctors adjust treatment and watch for complications.
How can I prevent chronic hepatitis?
Prevention strategies differ based on the type of hepatitis. Vaccination provides excellent protection against hepatitis B and is recommended for all infants, children, and at-risk adults, though no vaccine currently exists for hepatitis C. You can reduce your risk by never sharing needles, syringes, or other drug equipment, practicing safe sex by using condoms especially with new or multiple partners, and avoiding sharing personal items like razors or toothbrushes that might have blood on them. Ensure that tattoos and piercings are done at licensed facilities using sterile equipment. Healthcare workers should follow strict safety protocols including wearing gloves and using safe needle disposal. If you are pregnant and have hepatitis B, medical interventions can prevent transmission to your baby. Regular screening is important if you have risk factors, as early detection and treatment prevent progression to chronic infection.
What can I do at home to support my liver with chronic hepatitis?
Supporting your liver at home involves lifestyle changes that reduce stress on the organ and promote healing. Completely eliminate alcohol consumption as even small amounts can accelerate liver damage. Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while limiting processed foods, saturated fats, and added sugars that burden your liver. Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Exercise regularly with moderate activities like walking or swimming to maintain a healthy weight and reduce fatty deposits in the liver. Get adequate sleep as your liver performs important repair work during rest. Avoid unnecessary medications and supplements, especially acetaminophen in high doses, and always consult your doctor before taking new substances. Manage stress through relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga. While these measures support liver health, they complement but do not replace medical treatment for chronic hepatitis.
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Long story short:
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How do I know which test to get?
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.
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?
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.
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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.
Can I cancel my order?
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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.
How can I find a lab location near me?
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.
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Hepatitis Panel Acute, w/ Ref Confirmation
Google reviews 505 reviews
$245 $191
What's included
Fast & easy, results by email & SMS
No need to visit a doctor
Private & confidential
No insurance needed
Results explained
No extra fees paid at the lab

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