Hepatitis B Virus - Viral Load, Quantitative (PCR) near me in Secunderabad
Understanding Hepatitis B Virus - Viral Load, Quantitative (PCR) in Secunderabad
What is Hepatitis B Virus - Viral Load, Quantitative (PCR) in Secunderabad?
An Hepatitis B Virus - Viral Load, Quantitative (PCR) test measures the amount of hepatitis B virus(HBV) DNA present in the blood. This test helps monitor the progression of hepatitis B infection and assess the effectiveness of antiviral treatment. By quantifying the number of HBV DNA, doctors can determine the level of viral replication, predict disease progression, and make informed decisions regarding treatment strategies. A high viral load typically indicates active viral replication and may be associated with an increased risk of liver damage and disease progression while a low viral load suggests suppressed viral replication and may indicate a favorable response to treatment. This test is available at an affordable price in Secunderabad with Tata 1mg Labs.
No special preparation is needed for this test. However, it's advisable to refrain from consuming alcohol before the test, as alcohol can impact liver function and potentially affect the test results.
What does Hepatitis B Virus - Viral Load, Quantitative (PCR) measure?
An Hepatitis B Virus - Viral Load, Quantitative (PCR) test detects the virus’s genetic material and determines the viral load in the blood. A positive test indicates that the virus is multiplying in a person’s body, making that person contagious. The test uses the quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method, a highly sensitive technique that can detect and measure even tiny amounts of viral DNA.
Hepatitis B infection can be short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic), depending on how long HBV has been in your blood:
Acute hepatitis B: An acute hepatitis B infection may last up to six months (with or without symptoms), and infected persons can pass the virus to others during this time.
Chronic hepatitis B: If the virus remains in the blood for over six months, it is considered a chronic infection. While most adults do not develop chronic hepatitis B, infants, and young children are less likely to rid their bodies of the virus and, as a result, may develop chronic hepatitis B infection.
Managing hepatitis B is crucial, especially in chronic cases. Monitoring viral load helps doctors decide when to start, monitor, and stop the treatment. It also assists in predicting the long-term outcomes and development of liver diseases such as cirrhosis and liver cancer.