Question 1

What is Hepatitis D infection?

Accepted Answer

Hepatitis D infection is a serious liver disease that only occurs in people already infected with Hepatitis B. It is caused by the Hepatitis D virus (HDV), which requires the Hepatitis B virus to replicate and spread. The Hepatitis B Core Antibody IgM test is the most important test for diagnosis because it identifies recent Hepatitis B infection patterns that indicate co-infection or superinfection with Hepatitis D.

Question 2

What causes Hepatitis D infection?

Accepted Answer

Hepatitis D infection is caused by the Hepatitis D virus (HDV), a defective RNA virus that can only replicate in the presence of Hepatitis B virus (HBV). HDV spreads through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids, including through needle sharing, sexual contact, or from mother to baby during childbirth. The virus attacks liver cells and can occur in two patterns: co-infection when someone gets both Hepatitis B and D at the same time, or superinfection when someone with chronic Hepatitis B gets infected with Hepatitis D later.

Question 3

What is the best test for Hepatitis D infection?

Accepted Answer

The Hepatitis B Core Antibody IgM test is the most important test for Hepatitis D infection because it detects recent or acute Hepatitis B infection, which is essential since Hepatitis D cannot exist without Hepatitis B. This test identifies IgM antibodies against the Hepatitis B core antigen, helping determine whether you have a co-infection with both viruses simultaneously or a superinfection where Hepatitis D has been added to an existing chronic Hepatitis B infection. Additional testing for Hepatitis D antibodies (anti-HDV) and HDV RNA may be ordered by your doctor if Hepatitis B markers are positive, but the Hepatitis B Core Antibody IgM test provides the critical foundation for understanding your infection status.

Question 4

When should I get tested for Hepatitis D infection?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you have chronic Hepatitis B infection and develop worsening liver symptoms like jaundice, fatigue, or abdominal pain. Testing is also important if you have risk factors for Hepatitis B exposure including injection drug use, unsafe sexual practices, or living in areas where Hepatitis D is common like parts of Eastern Europe, the Mediterranean, or the Amazon basin. Anyone with Hepatitis B who experiences sudden deterioration in liver function or develops acute hepatitis symptoms should be tested immediately, as Hepatitis D superinfection can rapidly progress to severe liver disease.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of Hepatitis D infection?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms of Hepatitis D infection include jaundice with yellowing of the skin and eyes, severe fatigue and weakness, dark-colored urine, and pain in the upper right abdomen. You might notice loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, joint pain, and confusion or mental changes in severe cases. Many people with co-infection experience acute symptoms similar to severe Hepatitis B, while those with superinfection often have a sudden worsening of existing liver disease symptoms. Some individuals may be asymptomatic initially, making regular testing important if you have Hepatitis B.

Question 6

Who is at risk for Hepatitis D infection?

Accepted Answer

People with chronic Hepatitis B infection are at risk for Hepatitis D, particularly those who inject drugs and share needles. Individuals with multiple sexual partners, men who have sex with men, and people receiving hemodialysis face increased risk. Healthcare workers exposed to blood, individuals born in or traveling to regions with high Hepatitis D prevalence like the Mediterranean, parts of Africa, South America, and Eastern Europe, and children born to mothers infected with both Hepatitis B and D are also at elevated risk. Anyone with Hepatitis B should be aware of their Hepatitis D risk.

Question 7

What happens if Hepatitis D infection is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated Hepatitis D infection leads to more severe and rapidly progressing liver disease than Hepatitis B alone. You face a significantly increased risk of developing cirrhosis, with scarring and hardening of the liver tissue that impairs liver function. Liver failure can occur more quickly with Hepatitis D, potentially requiring liver transplantation. There is also an elevated risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma, a type of liver cancer, and complications like portal hypertension, ascites with fluid accumulation in the abdomen, and hepatic encephalopathy affecting brain function. Early detection and medical management are crucial to slow disease progression.

Question 8

Can Hepatitis D infection be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Hepatitis D infection is diagnosed through blood tests that first confirm Hepatitis B infection, since Hepatitis D cannot exist without it. The Hepatitis B Core Antibody IgM test identifies recent Hepatitis B infection patterns that suggest possible Hepatitis D co-infection or superinfection. If Hepatitis B markers are positive, additional specialized blood tests for Hepatitis D antibodies and HDV RNA viral load can confirm active Hepatitis D infection. Blood tests can also measure liver enzymes like ALT and AST to assess liver damage, and detect different antibody types to determine whether the infection is acute or chronic.

Question 9

How is Hepatitis D infection treated?

Accepted Answer

Hepatitis D infection is treated primarily with pegylated interferon alpha, an antiviral medication given by injection that helps the immune system fight the virus. Treatment typically lasts 48 to 72 weeks and can suppress viral replication, though it does not always eliminate the virus completely. Unfortunately, standard Hepatitis B antiviral medications like tenofovir or entecavir do not effectively treat Hepatitis D, though they may still be used to control Hepatitis B replication. Regular monitoring of liver function, viral load, and liver health through blood tests and imaging is essential throughout treatment. In cases of advanced liver disease or liver failure, liver transplantation may be necessary.

Question 10

How can I prevent Hepatitis D infection?

Accepted Answer

The most effective way to prevent Hepatitis D infection is to get vaccinated against Hepatitis B, since Hepatitis D cannot occur without Hepatitis B infection. Practice safe sex by using condoms consistently and correctly, and avoid sharing needles, syringes, or any drug injection equipment. Do not share personal items that might have blood on them like razors, toothbrushes, or nail clippers. If you work in healthcare, follow proper safety protocols when handling blood or body fluids. If you already have chronic Hepatitis B, take extra precautions to avoid exposure to Hepatitis D through blood contact or high-risk behaviors.

Question 11

What can I do at home to support recovery from Hepatitis D infection?

Accepted Answer

Support your liver health by avoiding alcohol completely, as it accelerates liver damage in people with Hepatitis D infection. Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while limiting processed foods, salt, and unhealthy fats. Get adequate rest and manage stress through gentle activities like walking, yoga, or meditation, as fatigue is common with liver disease. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and avoid taking unnecessary medications or supplements without consulting your doctor, as many can stress the liver. Regular medical follow-up with blood tests to monitor liver function is essential, and discuss any new symptoms or concerns with your healthcare provider promptly.

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:
            
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                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.
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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.
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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 D Infection Blood Test

What is Hepatitis D infection?

What causes Hepatitis D infection?

What is the best test for Hepatitis D infection?

When should I get tested for Hepatitis D infection?

References

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