Question 1

What is Hepatitis B infection?

Accepted Answer

Hepatitis B infection is a viral liver disease that can become chronic and lead to serious liver damage. It is caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV), which spreads through contact with infected blood or body fluids. The Hepatitis Be Antigen test is the most important test for assessing active infection and viral replication levels.

Question 2

What causes Hepatitis B infection?

Accepted Answer

Hepatitis B infection is caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV), which spreads through contact with infected blood, semen, or other body fluids. Common transmission routes include sexual contact with an infected person, sharing needles or syringes, needle-stick injuries in healthcare settings, and from mother to baby during childbirth. The virus can survive outside the body for up to seven days and still cause infection if it enters the body of someone who is not vaccinated.

Question 3

What is the best test for Hepatitis B infection?

Accepted Answer

The Hepatitis Be Antigen test is the most important test for assessing active Hepatitis B infection because it detects HBeAg in the blood, which indicates active viral replication and high infectivity levels. A positive result means the virus is actively multiplying in your body and you are highly contagious to others. This test is essential for healthcare providers to determine appropriate treatment strategies, monitor disease progression, and implement necessary precautions to prevent transmission. Additional tests like Hepatitis B surface antigen and antibody tests may be used alongside this to provide a complete picture of your infection status.

Question 4

When should I get tested for Hepatitis B infection?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you have had unprotected sex with someone who has Hepatitis B, shared needles or drug equipment, experienced a needle-stick injury, or if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Testing is also recommended if you were born in a region where Hepatitis B is common, live with someone who has the infection, have unexplained liver problems or elevated liver enzymes, or work in healthcare settings with potential blood exposure. Early detection is crucial because many people with Hepatitis B have no symptoms in the early stages.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of Hepatitis B infection?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms of Hepatitis B infection include fatigue, abdominal pain particularly in the upper right side, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, dark-colored urine, and jaundice which causes yellowing of the skin and eyes. Some people also experience joint pain, fever, and clay-colored stools. However, many people with Hepatitis B have no symptoms at all, especially in the early stages or with chronic infection, which is why blood testing is essential for diagnosis even if you feel perfectly healthy.

Question 6

Who is at risk for Hepatitis B infection?

Accepted Answer

People at higher risk for Hepatitis B include healthcare workers exposed to blood, individuals who have multiple sexual partners or a partner with Hepatitis B, people who inject drugs and share needles, men who have sex with men, and individuals receiving dialysis treatment. Babies born to infected mothers, people living in or traveling to regions with high Hepatitis B rates such as Asia and Africa, and individuals with HIV infection are also at increased risk. Additionally, people who share personal items like razors or toothbrushes with someone who has Hepatitis B may be at risk.

Question 7

What happens if Hepatitis B infection is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated Hepatitis B infection can lead to serious and life-threatening complications including chronic liver disease, cirrhosis which is permanent scarring of the liver, liver failure, and liver cancer. Chronic Hepatitis B significantly increases your risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma, a type of liver cancer. The infection can also cause kidney disease and blood vessel inflammation. Additionally, people with untreated Hepatitis B can unknowingly transmit the virus to others, continuing the cycle of infection. Early detection and appropriate medical management can prevent these severe outcomes.

Question 8

Can Hepatitis B infection be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Hepatitis B infection is diagnosed primarily through blood tests that detect viral antigens, antibodies, and assess viral activity levels. The Hepatitis Be Antigen test specifically identifies active viral replication and high infectivity, while other blood tests can detect the presence of the virus itself, determine if you have immunity from vaccination or past infection, and evaluate liver function. Blood testing is the gold standard for Hepatitis B diagnosis because the infection often has no visible symptoms, and these tests provide definitive evidence of current or past infection status.

Question 9

How is Hepatitis B infection treated?

Accepted Answer

Acute Hepatitis B infection often resolves on its own with supportive care including rest, adequate hydration, and nutrition, though your doctor will monitor your condition closely. Chronic Hepatitis B infection requires antiviral medications such as tenofovir, entecavir, or interferon to suppress viral replication and prevent liver damage. Treatment decisions depend on your viral load, liver enzyme levels, and extent of liver damage. Regular monitoring through blood tests and imaging is essential to assess treatment effectiveness and detect any liver complications early. Not everyone with chronic Hepatitis B needs immediate treatment, but all require ongoing medical supervision.

Question 10

How can I prevent Hepatitis B infection?

Accepted Answer

The Hepatitis B vaccine is the most effective prevention method and is recommended for all infants, children, and at-risk adults. Additional prevention strategies include practicing safe sex by using condoms, never sharing needles or drug equipment, avoiding sharing personal items like razors or toothbrushes, and ensuring proper sterilization of equipment for tattoos or body piercings. Healthcare workers should follow standard precautions and use personal protective equipment when handling blood or body fluids. If you have been exposed to Hepatitis B, post-exposure prophylaxis with the vaccine and immunoglobulin within 24 hours can prevent infection.

Question 11

What can I do at home to support liver health with Hepatitis B?

Accepted Answer

If you have Hepatitis B, you can support your liver health by completely avoiding alcohol which can accelerate liver damage, maintaining a healthy weight through balanced nutrition and regular exercise, and avoiding medications or supplements that can harm the liver without consulting your doctor first. Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while limiting processed foods and saturated fats. Get adequate rest to help your body fight the infection, and avoid exposure to toxic chemicals and substances. Always inform healthcare providers about your Hepatitis B status before starting any new medications or treatments.

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 B Infection Blood Test

What is Hepatitis B infection?

What causes Hepatitis B infection?

What is the best test for Hepatitis B infection?

When should I get tested for Hepatitis B infection?

References

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