Question 1

What is Chronic Hepatitis B?

Accepted Answer

Chronic Hepatitis B is a long-term liver infection that persists for more than six months. It is caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV), which attacks liver cells and can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer over time. The Hepatitis Panel Acute with Reflex Confirmation is the most important test for diagnosis as it detects Hepatitis B Surface Antigen and Hepatitis B Core Antibody markers that confirm chronic infection status.

Question 2

What causes Chronic Hepatitis B?

Accepted Answer

Chronic Hepatitis B is caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV), which is transmitted through contact with infected blood, semen, or other body fluids. This can occur through unprotected sex, sharing needles, from mother to baby during childbirth, or through accidental needle sticks in healthcare settings. Once the virus enters your body, it infects liver cells and if your immune system cannot clear the infection within six months, it becomes chronic. People infected as infants or young children are much more likely to develop chronic hepatitis B than those infected as adults.

Question 3

What is the best test for Chronic Hepatitis B?

Accepted Answer

The Hepatitis Panel Acute with Reflex Confirmation is the most important test for Chronic Hepatitis B because it detects multiple viral markers that confirm chronic infection status. This comprehensive panel measures Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg), which when persistently positive for more than six months indicates chronic infection, and Hepatitis B Core Antibody (anti-HBc), including the IgM subtype that helps differentiate between acute and chronic disease. The test also includes reflex confirmation to ensure accuracy, which is essential since chronic hepatitis B requires long-term monitoring and may need antiviral treatment to prevent liver damage, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.

Question 4

When should I get tested for Chronic Hepatitis B?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you were born in regions with high hepatitis B rates like Asia, Africa, or the Pacific Islands, have family members with chronic hepatitis B, engage in unprotected sex or have multiple partners, use or have used injection drugs, are pregnant or planning pregnancy, or work in healthcare with exposure to blood. You should also test if you have unexplained fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes), dark urine, or abdominal pain, or if routine blood work shows elevated liver enzymes. Early detection is crucial because chronic hepatitis B often has no symptoms until significant liver damage has occurred.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of Chronic Hepatitis B?

Accepted Answer

Most people with chronic Hepatitis B have no symptoms for years or even decades, which is why it is often called a silent infection. When symptoms do appear, you might notice persistent fatigue, mild fever, loss of appetite, nausea, joint or muscle pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, or pain in the upper right abdomen where your liver is located. As the disease progresses and causes more liver damage, symptoms can worsen and include swelling in the legs and abdomen, easy bruising or bleeding, confusion, and severe fatigue. Because symptoms often do not appear until liver damage is significant, regular blood testing is essential for anyone at risk.

Question 6

Who is at risk for Chronic Hepatitis B?

Accepted Answer

You are at higher risk if you were born to a mother with hepatitis B, were born in or frequently travel to regions where hepatitis B is common (Asia, Africa, Pacific Islands, Eastern Europe), live with someone who has chronic hepatitis B, have had multiple sexual partners or unprotected sex, use or have used injection drugs or shared needles, receive hemodialysis for kidney disease, work in healthcare or public safety with exposure to blood, are taking immunosuppressive medications, or have HIV infection. Men who have sex with men and people with a history of sexually transmitted infections are also at increased risk. Even if you were vaccinated against hepatitis B, testing is important if you have significant risk factors since vaccine protection can wane over time in some people.

Question 7

What happens if Chronic Hepatitis B is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

If left untreated, chronic Hepatitis B can cause progressive liver damage over years or decades, leading to serious and potentially life-threatening complications. The virus continuously attacks liver cells, causing inflammation and scarring that can progress to cirrhosis, a condition where scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue and impairs liver function. People with chronic hepatitis B have a significantly increased risk of developing liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma), even without cirrhosis. Other complications include liver failure, which may require a liver transplant, fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites), bleeding disorders, kidney problems, and an increased susceptibility to other infections. With proper monitoring and antiviral treatment when indicated, many of these complications can be prevented or delayed, which is why early detection and regular medical follow-up are essential.

Question 8

Can Chronic Hepatitis B be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, chronic Hepatitis B is definitively diagnosed with blood tests that detect specific viral markers and antibodies. The diagnosis requires the Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) to remain positive for more than six months, which indicates the virus is still present in your blood and you have a chronic infection. Blood tests also measure Hepatitis B Core Antibody (anti-HBc) and its IgM subtype, Hepatitis B Surface Antibody (anti-HBs), Hepatitis e Antigen (HBeAg), and viral DNA levels to determine the stage of infection, how active the virus is, and whether you are likely to transmit it to others. Additional blood tests assess liver function by measuring enzymes like ALT and AST, which become elevated when the liver is inflamed or damaged. Together, these blood tests provide a complete picture of your hepatitis B status and guide treatment decisions.

Question 9

How is Chronic Hepatitis B treated?

Accepted Answer

Chronic Hepatitis B is managed with antiviral medications that suppress the virus and reduce liver inflammation, though they typically do not cure the infection. Common antiviral drugs include tenofovir and entecavir, which are taken daily and can significantly reduce the amount of virus in your blood, decrease liver damage, and lower your risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer. Not everyone with chronic hepatitis B needs immediate treatment; your doctor will determine if you need medication based on your viral load, liver enzyme levels, and the degree of liver damage. In addition to medication, lifestyle modifications are important, including avoiding alcohol completely, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, and being cautious with medications that can harm the liver. Regular monitoring with blood tests and imaging studies is essential to track disease progression and treatment response. In severe cases of liver failure or cirrhosis, a liver transplant may be necessary.

Question 10

How can I prevent Chronic Hepatitis B?

Accepted Answer

The hepatitis B vaccine is the most effective way to prevent infection and is recommended for all infants, children, and at-risk adults. To prevent transmission if you have chronic hepatitis B, always practice safe sex by using condoms, never share needles, syringes, razors, toothbrushes, or other items that might have blood on them, and inform sexual partners and household members about your status so they can get tested and vaccinated. If you are pregnant and have chronic hepatitis B, your baby should receive the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine and hepatitis B immune globulin within 12 hours of birth to prevent transmission. Healthcare workers should follow standard precautions when handling blood and body fluids. If you were exposed to hepatitis B through a needle stick or sexual contact with an infected person, post-exposure prophylaxis with the vaccine and immune globulin can prevent infection if given promptly.

Question 11

What can I do at home to manage Chronic Hepatitis B?

Accepted Answer

While home remedies cannot cure chronic Hepatitis B, you can support your liver health through lifestyle changes and careful self-management. Avoid alcohol completely as it accelerates liver damage, maintain a healthy weight through balanced nutrition and regular exercise to prevent fatty liver disease, and eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while limiting processed foods, salt, and sugar. Stay hydrated, get adequate sleep, and manage stress through relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga. Always inform your doctors and pharmacists about your hepatitis B status before taking any new medications, supplements, or herbal products, as some can harm your liver. Do not share personal items that might have blood on them, practice safe sex to protect partners, and keep all medical appointments for monitoring. Some people find milk thistle supplements helpful for liver support, though you should discuss any supplements with your doctor first. Most importantly, stay informed about your condition and maintain open communication with your healthcare team.

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 Hepatitis B Blood Test

What is Chronic Hepatitis B?

What causes Chronic Hepatitis B?

What is the best test for Chronic Hepatitis B?

When should I get tested for Chronic Hepatitis B?

References

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