Question 1

What is Hepatitis?

Accepted Answer

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver that impairs its ability to process toxins and produce essential proteins. It is caused by viral infections (hepatitis A, B, or C viruses), autoimmune reactions, toxins, or medications that damage liver cells. The Liver Function Profile is the most important test for diagnosing hepatitis because it measures key liver enzymes like ALT that indicate active liver cell damage.

Question 2

What causes hepatitis?

Accepted Answer

Hepatitis is caused by viral infections, autoimmune conditions, toxins, alcohol abuse, or certain medications. The most common viral causes are hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV), which directly attack liver cells and trigger inflammation. Autoimmune hepatitis occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your liver, while toxic hepatitis results from exposure to excessive alcohol, drugs like acetaminophen, or environmental toxins that overwhelm the liver's detoxification capacity.

Question 3

What is the best test for hepatitis?

Accepted Answer

The Liver Function Profile is the most important test for hepatitis because it measures key liver enzymes including ALT (alanine aminotransferase), AST (aspartate aminotransferase), and alkaline phosphatase that become elevated when liver cells are damaged. This comprehensive panel also checks bilirubin levels to assess how well your liver is processing waste products and can confirm both acute and chronic hepatitis. Additional tests like the Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) test provide highly specific detection of liver injury, while the Immunoglobulins Panel helps determine if you have an acute viral infection by measuring IgM antibodies produced during initial hepatitis infections.

Question 4

When should I get tested for hepatitis?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience symptoms like persistent fatigue, yellowing of your skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain in the upper right side, or unexplained nausea and loss of appetite. Testing is also essential if you've been exposed to someone with hepatitis, have a history of intravenous drug use, received a blood transfusion before 1992, work in healthcare, or have traveled to areas with high hepatitis rates. Early detection through blood testing allows for timely treatment and helps prevent serious liver damage and complications like cirrhosis or liver failure.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of hepatitis?

Accepted Answer

Hepatitis symptoms include fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain (especially in the upper right side), dark-colored urine, pale or clay-colored stools, joint pain, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). Many people with chronic hepatitis, especially hepatitis C, experience no symptoms for years until significant liver damage has occurred. Acute hepatitis symptoms typically appear 2-12 weeks after exposure to the virus and can range from mild flu-like illness to severe liver dysfunction requiring hospitalization.

Question 6

Who is at risk for hepatitis?

Accepted Answer

People at higher risk for hepatitis include healthcare workers exposed to blood, individuals who share needles or drug paraphernalia, those with multiple sexual partners or unprotected sex, people living with someone who has hepatitis, infants born to infected mothers, dialysis patients, and anyone who received blood transfusions or organ transplants before widespread screening began. Hepatitis A spreads through contaminated food and water, so travelers to developing countries are at increased risk. People with chronic liver disease, HIV infection, or compromised immune systems are more vulnerable to severe hepatitis complications.

Question 7

What happens if hepatitis is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated hepatitis can progress to chronic liver inflammation, causing permanent scarring called cirrhosis that prevents your liver from functioning properly. Over time, chronic hepatitis B and C significantly increase your risk of developing liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) and liver failure requiring transplantation. Even acute hepatitis can lead to fulminant hepatic failure, a life-threatening condition where the liver rapidly loses function. Early detection and treatment through regular blood testing can prevent these serious complications and preserve liver health.

Question 8

Can hepatitis be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, hepatitis is primarily diagnosed with blood tests that detect liver enzyme elevations, measure bilirubin levels, and identify viral antibodies or antigens. The Liver Function Profile measures ALT, AST, and other enzymes that leak into your bloodstream when liver cells are damaged by inflammation. Specific viral hepatitis tests detect antibodies (your immune response) and antigens (viral proteins) for hepatitis A, B, and C viruses to confirm which type you have. Blood tests also help distinguish between acute and chronic hepatitis and monitor how well treatment is working.

Question 9

How is hepatitis treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment for hepatitis depends on the type and severity of infection. Acute hepatitis A typically resolves on its own with rest, hydration, and nutritional support, while hepatitis B and C may require antiviral medications to suppress viral replication and prevent liver damage. Chronic hepatitis B is managed with antiviral drugs like tenofovir or entecavir, and hepatitis C can now be cured in most cases with direct-acting antiviral medications taken for 8-12 weeks. Autoimmune hepatitis requires corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs, while toxic hepatitis treatment involves removing the offending substance and supporting liver recovery.

Question 10

How can I prevent hepatitis?

Accepted Answer

You can prevent hepatitis through vaccination (available for hepatitis A and B), practicing safe sex with barrier protection, never sharing needles or personal items like razors and toothbrushes, washing hands thoroughly after bathroom use and before eating, and avoiding consumption of raw or undercooked shellfish. Healthcare workers should follow universal precautions when handling blood and body fluids. If you're traveling to areas with poor sanitation, drink only bottled or boiled water and avoid raw fruits and vegetables unless you peel them yourself. Getting tested regularly if you're at risk allows early detection and prevents transmission to others.

Question 11

What natural remedies help with hepatitis?

Accepted Answer

While natural remedies cannot cure hepatitis, certain lifestyle changes support liver health during recovery. Milk thistle (silymarin) has antioxidant properties that may protect liver cells from damage, though you should consult your doctor before taking supplements. Rest is essential for liver healing, as is staying well-hydrated with water and avoiding alcohol completely, which places additional stress on your liver. Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains provides nutrients your liver needs for regeneration. Avoiding acetaminophen and other liver-toxic medications helps prevent further damage while your liver recovers.

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.

Hepatitis Blood Test

What is Hepatitis?

What causes hepatitis?

What is the best test for hepatitis?

When should I get tested for hepatitis?

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