How can we help?

Home

Hepatitis B Virus - Viral Load, Quantitative (PCR)

Also referred as

HBV DNA PCR

NAT for HBV DNA

502+ booked recently

For men & women

Earliest reports in

72 hours

Contains

1 test

Know more about this test

The Hepatitis B Virus - Viral Load, Quantitative (PCR) test measures the amount of hepatitis B virus DNA (genetic material) in the blood. This test helps monitor the progression of hepatitis B infection and assess the efficacy of an ongoing hepatitis B treatment.

Samples required

Blood

Find out

Why is this test booked?

Preparations

No special preparation is required.

Sample Collection

Who will collect your samples?

Understanding Hepatitis B Virus - Viral Load, Quantitative (PCR)

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that primarily affects the liver. The infection can be acute (short and severe) or chronic (long-term). If left uninformed, it can lead to liver damage, cirrhosis, or liver cancer. However, it is preventable with a safe and effective vaccine, and early detection helps in managing the condition and reducing complications.

Acute hepatitis B: An infection of acute hepatitis B can take as long as six months (with or without symptoms), and infected individuals can transmit the virus to others during this duration.
Chronic hepatitis B: If the virus remains in the blood for more than six months, the infection is considered chronic. While most adults are able to clear the virus and do not develop chronic hepatitis B, infants and young children are less likely to eliminate the virus from their bodies. As a result, they are at a higher risk of developing chronic hepatitis B infection.

The Hepatitis B Virus - Viral Load, Quantitative (PCR) test is performed to assess the viral load (amount of virus in an infected person’s blood) and measure the severity of the HBV infection in an individual.

It must be kept in mind that this test is not performed to detect an HBV infection. People who are already suffering from hepatitis B infection (Chronic hepatitis B) may get this test done to get the necessary information about how serious the infection has become. Apart from that, it also helps to monitor treatment response in patients who are receiving hepatitis B treatment.

Usually, no special preparation is needed for this test. You may eat and drink as per your daily routine. Talk to your doctor about your specific test results. Tell them about your complete medical history to help them correlate your clinical and laboratory findings.

ab test results may vary across laboratories. Talk to the doctor about the specific test results. Abnormal test results require an expert interpretation. Therefore, never try to self-medicate based solely on these results. Always consult a doctor for a proper understanding of the test results.

What does Hepatitis B Virus - Viral Load, Quantitative (PCR) measure?

The Hepatitis B Virus - Viral Load, Quantitative (PCR) test detects the quantity of HBV DNA (the virus's genetic material) in the blood. This is referred to as the viral load. An elevated viral load suggests that the virus is currently reproducing within the body, which can heighten the risk of liver injury and progression of disease. The test employs a very sensitive method known as quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to find and measure even minute levels of the virus. The test assists doctors in assessing the severity of the infection and the response to treatment.

Frequently booked together

FAQs related to Hepatitis B Virus - Viral Load, Quantitative (PCR)

What is the full form of HBV?

The full form of HBV is hepatitis B virus.

Why do I need the Hepatitis B Virus - Viral Load, Quantitative (PCR) test during the treatment of HBV infection?

The Hepatitis B Virus - Viral Load, Quantitative (PCR) test measures the level of HBV DNA (genetic material) to check if the prescribed medicine is working to reduce the body’s viral load. Antiviral medicines work by altering the DNA of the virus so that it cannot reproduce effectively. Doctors measure the viral load to make sure the antiviral drug is working.

Why is measuring viral load important in the case of pregnancy?

Pregnant women are screened for hepatitis B along with the measurement of viral load. According to medical guidelines, pregnant women with high viral loads—exceeding 200,000 IU/mL are recommended to take antiviral therapy during their third trimester of pregnancy. This is done to reduce the risk of passing the infection to their newborns.

Is it safe for a pregnant woman with hepatitis B to breastfeed her baby?

Yes, breastfeeding is usually safe for hepatitis B mothers, particularly if the infant received the complete hepatitis B vaccine series and HBIG at birth. The virus is not transmitted through breast milk, and breastfeeding has not been demonstrated to enhance the risk of passing on the disease.

Can the Hepatitis B Virus - Viral Load, Quantitative (PCR) test be used to diagnose hepatitis B infection?

This test is primarily used to monitor the amount of virus in the blood of people already diagnosed with hepatitis B. It can sometimes aid in diagnosis, but other tests are often used to initially diagnose the infection.

What does it mean if the viral load is undetectable?

An undetectable viral load indicates that the amount of virus in the blood is too low to be measured by the test. This could be a sign that the infection is inactive or that treatment is effective.

What are the symptoms of hepatitis B infection?

The symptoms of acute hepatitis B infection may not be apparent for months after exposure to the virus. Although, the most common symptoms are fatigue, muscle and joint pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, fever, belly pain, and the yellowing of the eyes and skin (jaundice).

How long does it take for the symptoms to show up after getting infected with a hepatitis B virus?

If the symptoms do appear, they begin on average 90 days (or 3 months) after exposure to the virus, but they may appear any time between 8 weeks and 5 months after the exposure. The symptoms usually last for several weeks, but some people may feel sick for up to 6 months.

How is hepatitis B transmitted?

Hepatitis B spreads through contact with infected blood or body fluids, such as: 1) Unprotected sex with an infected person 2) Sharing needles or syringes 3) From an infected mother to her baby during childbirth 4) Sharing personal items like razors or toothbrushes 5) Unsafe tattooing or piercing practices

Can hepatitis B spread through food or water?

Hepatitis B virus does not spread through food or water, by sharing utensils, hugging, kissing, handholding, coughing, or sneezing.

How long is hepatitis B infectious?

Hepatitis B is infectious for as long as the virus is active in your body. If you have an acute infection, it may last from a few weeks to six months, and you are capable of transmitting the infection to healthy individuals. If you have a chronic infection, it may last a lifetime and may potentially lead to serious illnesses such as cirrhosis and liver cancer.

How can I prevent hepatitis B infection?

Hepatitis B can be best prevented by vaccination. The hepatitis B vaccine is safe and effective and should be given in three doses for full protection (at 0, 1, and 6 months). Additional preventive measures that can help prevent hepatitis B infection include maintaining genuine hygiene, avoiding direct contact with blood and bodily fluids, indulging in protected intercourse, avoiding illegal street drugs (injecting, inhaling, snorting, or popping pills), etc.

What are the types of hepatitis viruses?

The types of hepatitis virus include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, hepatitis D, and hepatitis E.

Content created by

Want to know moreRead our editorial policy

Last Updated

22nd Oct 2025