Question 1

What is Viral Hepatitis?

Accepted Answer

Viral hepatitis is an infection that causes inflammation and damage to the liver. It is caused by specific viruses including hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis D virus (HDV), and hepatitis E virus (HEV). The Hepatitis Viral Panel with Liver Function Tests is the most important test for diagnosis because it detects viral antigens, antibodies, and genetic material while assessing liver damage.

Question 2

What causes viral hepatitis?

Accepted Answer

Viral hepatitis is caused by five distinct viruses: hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis D virus (HDV), and hepatitis E virus (HEV). Each virus transmits differently - HAV and HEV spread through contaminated food or water, while HBV, HCV, and HDV spread through blood and bodily fluids. These viruses attack liver cells, triggering inflammation that can lead to acute illness or chronic liver disease depending on the virus type and your immune response.

Question 3

What is the best test for viral hepatitis?

Accepted Answer

The Hepatitis Viral Panel is the most important test for viral hepatitis because it detects specific antigens, antibodies, and viral genetic material (DNA/RNA) for each hepatitis virus. This comprehensive panel identifies which virus is present and determines whether the infection is acute or chronic. Additional liver function tests measure enzymes like ALT and AST to assess liver damage, while the Smooth Muscle Antibody with Reflex to Titer helps rule out autoimmune hepatitis if your results are unclear. Together, these tests provide a complete picture of your liver health and guide appropriate treatment.

Question 4

When should I get tested for viral hepatitis?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience yellowing of your skin or eyes (jaundice), persistent fatigue, dark urine, pale stools, or abdominal pain in your upper right side. Testing is also essential if you have known exposure to someone with hepatitis, share needles, have multiple sexual partners, received a blood transfusion before 1992, or traveled to regions where hepatitis is common. Healthcare workers, people with HIV, and anyone born between 1945-1965 should get tested as they face higher risk for chronic hepatitis infections.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of viral hepatitis?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms of viral hepatitis include fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark-colored urine, pale or clay-colored stools, joint pain, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). Many people with acute hepatitis experience flu-like symptoms including fever and muscle aches. However, some individuals, especially those with chronic hepatitis B or C, may have no symptoms for years while the virus silently damages their liver. This is why blood testing is critical even if you feel healthy but have risk factors.

Question 6

Who is at risk for viral hepatitis?

Accepted Answer

People at higher risk for viral hepatitis include those who use injection drugs, healthcare workers exposed to blood, individuals with multiple sexual partners, people receiving hemodialysis, infants born to infected mothers, and travelers to countries with high hepatitis rates. Additional risk factors include getting tattoos or piercings with unsterilized equipment, sharing personal items like razors or toothbrushes with infected individuals, and receiving blood transfusions or organ transplants before widespread screening began. Men who have sex with men and people living with HIV also face increased risk for hepatitis infections.

Question 7

What happens if viral hepatitis is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated chronic viral hepatitis can progress to severe liver damage including cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), liver failure, and liver cancer. Hepatitis B and C are particularly dangerous because they often become chronic infections that silently destroy liver tissue over decades. Without treatment, cirrhosis can lead to complications like fluid accumulation in the abdomen, bleeding disorders, confusion from toxin buildup, and ultimately the need for a liver transplant. Even acute hepatitis A can cause fulminant liver failure in rare cases. Early detection and treatment prevent these life-threatening complications and can cure hepatitis C in most people.

Question 8

Can viral hepatitis be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, blood tests are the primary method for diagnosing viral hepatitis. These tests detect viral antigens (protein fragments of the virus), antibodies your immune system produces to fight the infection, and viral genetic material (DNA or RNA) circulating in your blood. Blood tests also measure liver enzymes like ALT and AST, which become elevated when liver cells are damaged, and bilirubin levels, which cause jaundice when elevated. A combination of these blood markers tells your healthcare provider which hepatitis virus you have, whether the infection is acute or chronic, and how severely your liver is affected.

Question 9

How is viral hepatitis treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment depends on the type of hepatitis virus. Hepatitis A typically requires only supportive care with rest, adequate nutrition, and fluids as it usually resolves on its own. Chronic hepatitis B is managed with antiviral medications like tenofovir or entecavir that suppress viral replication. Hepatitis C can now be cured in 8-12 weeks with direct-acting antiviral medications that eliminate the virus from your body. Treatment also includes avoiding alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, and getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and B if you do not already have immunity. Regular monitoring with blood tests ensures treatment is working and catches complications early.

Question 10

How can I prevent viral hepatitis?

Accepted Answer

You can prevent viral hepatitis through vaccination against hepatitis A and B (no vaccine exists yet for hepatitis C). Practice safe behaviors including using condoms during sex, never sharing needles or personal items like razors and toothbrushes, and ensuring tattoo and piercing equipment is properly sterilized. When traveling to areas with poor sanitation, drink bottled water and avoid raw or undercooked food. Healthcare workers should follow proper safety protocols when handling blood and bodily fluids. If you are at high risk, talk to your doctor about post-exposure prophylaxis if you think you have been exposed to hepatitis.

Question 11

What can I do at home to support my liver with hepatitis?

Accepted Answer

Supporting your liver at home involves avoiding alcohol completely, eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, staying hydrated, and maintaining a healthy weight. Get adequate rest as fatigue is common with hepatitis, and avoid medications that stress the liver including acetaminophen in high doses. Some people find milk thistle and other herbal supplements helpful, but always discuss these with your healthcare provider as they can interact with medications. Reduce your exposure to environmental toxins and chemicals when possible. Regular blood tests to monitor your liver function ensure your home management strategies are working alongside any medical treatment.

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.

Viral Hepatitis Blood Test

What is Viral Hepatitis?

What causes viral hepatitis?

What is the best test for viral hepatitis?

When should I get tested for viral hepatitis?

References

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