Viral Marker Profile
Understanding Viral Marker Profile
What is Viral Marker Profile?
Viral Hepatitis and HIV have been recognized as a serious public health problem in India by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Viral Hepatitis is caused by Hepatitis virus A to E with Hepatitis A,B and C constituting the majority of cases. The cases of viral hepatitis and HIV infection are increasing due to intravenous drug abuse, sharing of needles and unsafe sex. A more serious concern is that most people infected with the virus are unaware of it. Therefore, we have come up with a unique one of its kind package which will screen you against the three most common types of Hepatitis Viruses i.e. A, B and C along with HIV package. So, get yourself tested today before its too late. Remember, Prevention is always better than cure.
What is Viral Marker Profile used for?
- If you have signs or symptoms suggesting acute hepatitis like jaundice, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever or dark urine which might be due to Hepatitis B infection
- If you have signs or symptoms of chronic hepatitis which might indicate hepatitis C infection
- If you are pregnant
- If you have been in close contact with someone infected with Hepatitis B, C or HIV
- If your health care practitioner is suspecting HIV infection
- If you are on long term dialysis
- If you have ever injected illegal drugs
What does Viral Marker Profile measure?
Contains 3 testsHIV Combo (Antigen And Antibody) Test
An HIV Combo (Antigen And Antibody) Test simultaneously detects HIV p24 antigen and antibodies associated with HIV 1 & 2. The HIV p24 antigen is the most abundant HIV protein and its detection is used clinically to diagnose an HIV infection early on since HIV-specific antibodies are not detectable in a very recently acquired infection. HIV-1 was discovered first and is the most widespread, whereas HIV-2 is more than 55% genetically different from HIV-1. The transmission rate of HIV-2 is also slower than HIV-1. This test also helps to differentiate between the two HIV infections.
Know more about HIV Combo (Antigen And Antibody) Test
HCV Antibody - Immunochromatography
An HCV Antibody - Immunochromatography test determines if HCV has infected you and helps your doctor guide your treatment. HCV causes liver inflammation and is classified into acute hepatitis infection and chronic hepatitis infection.
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Acute hepatitis C: This occurs in the first six months after exposure to the hepatitis C virus. In the early stage of the infection, acute hepatitis C is mild and may cause no symptoms. For this reason, most people do not know they have this infection.
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Chronic hepatitis C: If your body cannot fight off the virus, you can develop a chronic hepatitis C infection. Progression from acute to chronic hepatitis C is common, occurring in 75-85% of patients. Detecting chronic hepatitis C early is important to prevent future complications, such as liver failure, and initiate effective treatment.
Know more about HCV Antibody - Immunochromatography
HBsAg Screening - Rapid
An HBsAg Screening - Rapid test confirms the presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in a suspected individual. HBsAg is the first serological marker, within 1 to 10 weeks, to appear in the blood after recent exposure to HBV. Persistence of this marker for more than 6 months implies chronic (long-term) HBV infection which may lead to liver damage (scarring or cirrhosis). A person who has a chronic infection is capable of spreading the infection to healthy individuals, even if they do not show or experience any symptoms.
Know more about HBsAg Screening - Rapid
Interpreting Viral Marker Profile results
Interpretations
- A negative HCV antibody test indicates no infection with hepatitis C virus while positive or indeterminate HCV antibody test with negative HCV RNA signifies past infection. If both HCV antibody and HCV RNA are positive, it indicates current infection with Hepatitis C virus
- A negative test for HIV antigen or antibody usually indicates no infection with HIV virus while if both screening and confirmatory tests are positive, it usually signifies HIV infection
- A positive Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and a positive Hepatitis B envelope antigen (HBeAg) indicates active infection with the virus