Question 1

What is Chronic Hepatitis B Infection?

Accepted Answer

Chronic Hepatitis B infection is a long-term viral infection that affects the liver and persists for more than six months. It is caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV), which the immune system cannot effectively clear, leading to ongoing liver inflammation and potential complications. The Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) with Reflex Confirmation is the most important test for diagnosing chronic Hepatitis B infection.

Question 2

What causes Chronic Hepatitis B Infection?

Accepted Answer

Chronic Hepatitis B infection is caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV), which enters the bloodstream through contact with infected blood, sexual transmission, or from mother to baby during childbirth. When the immune system fails to clear the virus within six months, the infection becomes chronic and the virus continues to replicate in liver cells. Unlike acute infections that resolve on their own, chronic Hepatitis B persists because the immune system cannot mount an effective response to eliminate the virus completely, leading to ongoing liver inflammation and damage over time.

Question 3

What is the best test for Chronic Hepatitis B Infection?

Accepted Answer

The Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) with Reflex Confirmation is the most important test for chronic Hepatitis B infection because it detects the presence of the virus in your bloodstream and confirms whether the infection has persisted beyond six months. When HBsAg remains positive for more than six months, it definitively indicates chronic infection. Additional tests like the Hepatitis B Core Antibody Total and Hepatitis Be Antibody help monitor viral activity and assess the stage of infection, while the Hepatitis B Surface Antibody tests determine if your immune system is producing protective antibodies, providing a comprehensive picture of your infection status and helping guide treatment decisions.

Question 4

When should I get tested for Chronic Hepatitis B Infection?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you have been previously diagnosed with acute Hepatitis B and it has been more than six months since your initial infection, if you have persistent fatigue or jaundice, or if you have risk factors such as being born in regions with high Hepatitis B prevalence or having a family history of the infection. Testing is also essential if you experience ongoing abdominal pain, dark urine, or unexplained liver enzyme elevations. Early detection through regular blood testing is crucial for monitoring liver health and preventing serious complications like cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of Chronic Hepatitis B Infection?

Accepted Answer

Chronic Hepatitis B infection often produces no symptoms for years, which is why many people do not realize they are infected. When symptoms do appear, they may include persistent fatigue, mild abdominal discomfort in the upper right side where the liver is located, loss of appetite, nausea, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). As the infection progresses and causes more liver damage, you might experience dark-colored urine, pale stools, joint pain, and easy bruising or bleeding due to impaired liver function.

Question 6

Who is at risk for Chronic Hepatitis B Infection?

Accepted Answer

People at highest risk include those born in countries where Hepatitis B is common (such as parts of Asia, Africa, and the Pacific Islands), infants born to mothers with Hepatitis B, healthcare workers exposed to blood, individuals who share needles or injection drug equipment, people with multiple sexual partners or those with sexually transmitted infections, and people living in the same household as someone with chronic Hepatitis B. Men who have sex with men and people on dialysis or receiving immunosuppressive therapy also have increased risk. Additionally, anyone who has received blood transfusions or organ transplants before widespread screening began in the early 1990s may be at risk.

Question 7

What happens if Chronic Hepatitis B Infection is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated chronic Hepatitis B infection can lead to severe and life-threatening complications over time. The ongoing viral replication causes continuous liver inflammation and scarring, which can progress to cirrhosis (severe scarring that impairs liver function), liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer). Studies show that people with chronic Hepatitis B have a 15-25% lifetime risk of dying from cirrhosis or liver cancer if left unmonitored and untreated. Regular monitoring through blood tests and appropriate antiviral treatment can significantly reduce these risks and help preserve liver function, which is why early detection and ongoing medical management are essential.

Question 8

Can Chronic Hepatitis B Infection be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, chronic Hepatitis B infection is definitively diagnosed through a combination of blood tests that detect viral antigens, antibodies, and assess liver function. The Hepatitis B Surface Antigen test is the primary diagnostic tool, and when it remains positive for more than six months, it confirms chronic infection. Additional blood tests measure different antibodies (like Hepatitis B Core Antibody and Hepatitis Be Antibody) to determine infection stage and viral activity, while liver function tests and viral load measurements help assess the extent of liver damage and guide treatment decisions. These blood tests provide a complete picture without requiring invasive procedures like liver biopsies in most cases.

Question 9

How is Chronic Hepatitis B Infection treated?

Accepted Answer

Chronic Hepatitis B is treated with antiviral medications that suppress viral replication and reduce liver inflammation, though they typically do not cure the infection completely. Common antiviral drugs include tenofovir, entecavir, and interferon-based therapies, which your doctor will choose based on your viral load, liver function, and disease stage. Treatment may last for years or even lifelong in some cases, with regular blood tests every 3-6 months to monitor viral activity and liver health. Not everyone with chronic Hepatitis B requires immediate treatment; those with inactive infection and minimal liver damage may only need regular monitoring, while those with active viral replication and liver inflammation benefit most from antiviral therapy to prevent progression to cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Question 10

How can I prevent Chronic Hepatitis B Infection?

Accepted Answer

The most effective prevention is the Hepatitis B vaccine, which provides long-lasting protection and is recommended for all infants, unvaccinated children and adolescents, and adults at increased risk. If you are exposed to Hepatitis B, getting vaccinated or receiving hepatitis B immune globulin within 24 hours can prevent infection. Other prevention measures include practicing safe sex by using condoms, never sharing needles, razors, toothbrushes, or other items that might have blood on them, ensuring any tattoos or piercings are done with sterile equipment, and healthcare workers using proper protective equipment when handling blood or body fluids. If you are pregnant and have Hepatitis B, your baby should receive the vaccine and immune globulin immediately after birth to prevent transmission.

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

While home remedies cannot cure chronic Hepatitis B, you can support your liver health through lifestyle modifications. Avoid alcohol completely, as it accelerates liver damage, and maintain a healthy weight through balanced nutrition and regular exercise to prevent fatty liver disease. Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while limiting processed foods, salt, and saturated fats. Stay hydrated, get adequate rest, and avoid medications or supplements that can stress the liver without consulting your doctor first. Always inform healthcare providers about your Hepatitis B status before starting new medications, and practice strict hygiene to prevent transmission to others by covering wounds, not sharing personal care items, and informing sexual partners about your status.

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 Infection Blood Test

What is Chronic Hepatitis B Infection?

What causes Chronic Hepatitis B Infection?

What is the best test for Chronic Hepatitis B Infection?

When should I get tested for Chronic Hepatitis B Infection?

References

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