Acute Hepatitis - Viral Marker Panel

The Hepatitis E Virus, IgM Antibody test measures the presence of Immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies specific to the Hepatitis E virus in the blood. These antibodies are produced by the immune system as an immediate response to an acute infection with the Hepatitis E virus (HEV). IgM antibodies are generated by the immune system within a few weeks of exposure. The presence of these antibodies indicates a recent or current infection, as IgM are the first antibodies that are produced in response to the HEV. 

The Hepatitis E Virus, IgM Antibody test helps diagnose an acute Hepatitis E infection, especially in individuals exhibiting symptoms such as abdominal pain, reduced appetite, jaundice etc, pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals, and those with known exposure to the virus. Detecting IgM antibodies helps doctors confirm the diagnosis, and tailor appropriate treatment plans. 

The Hepatitis A Virus, IgM test is a qualitative assay that measures the presence of Immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies in the blood. These antibodies are produced by the immune system in response to an acute infection with the Hepatitis A virus (HAV). IgM antibodies are generated by the immune system within a few weeks of exposure. The presence of these antibodies indicates a recent or current infection, as IgM are the first antibodies that are produced in response to the HAV. 

The Hepatitis A Virus, IgM test helps diagnose an acute Hepatitis A infection, especially in individuals exhibiting symptoms such as abdominal pain, loss of appetite, jaundice etc. Detecting IgM antibodies helps doctors confirm the diagnosis, differentiate it from other types of hepatitis ,and tailor appropriate treatment plans. 

The Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Antibody test determines the status of current hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection or past HCV infection that has been resolved. This test, therefore, helps your doctor to guide an appropriate treatment plan. HCV causes liver inflammation and is classified into acute hepatitis infection and chronic hepatitis infection.

• 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.
• Chronic hepatitis C: If your body is unable to fight off the virus, you can develop a chronic hepatitis C infection. Progression from acute to chronic hepatitis C is common, occurring in about 75-85% of patients. Detecting chronic hepatitis C at the early stage is important to prevent future complications, such as liver failure, and initiate effective treatment.

The Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Antibody test is used for screening for anti-HCV antibodies. A reactive result needs to be confirmed by other more specific NAT/ nucleic acid tests before final diagnosis.

The Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) test detects the presence of a specific protein on the surface of the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the bloodstream. This protein, HBsAg, serves as a crucial marker for identifying HBV infection. This is a screening test and the diagnosis of any reactive HBsAg result relies on additional supplemental tests like anti-HBs antibody and total anti-HBc antibodies. Confirmation can be done using nucleic acid tests like HBV DNA by PCR. The Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) test is essential for identifying individuals who require medical intervention, such as antiviral therapy, and for implementing measures to prevent the spread of Hepatitis B virus to others. 

The Hepatitis B (Core) IgM Antibody test measures the presence of IgM antibodies produced by the immune system in response to the hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc). The presence of these antibodies helps differentiate between active and past infections and can identify individuals in the early stages of infection. By detecting anti-HBc IgM, the test provides critical information about the timing of the infection, helping doctors determine whether the infection is acute (recent) or possibly chronic.

Overall, the Hepatitis B (Core) IgM Antibody test is a key diagnostic tool in identifying recent hepatitis B infections, guiding treatment decisions, and determining the potential risk for transmission to others. By distinguishing between acute and chronic infection, it allows doctors to closely monitor the infection's progression and decide on the best course of action for preventing complications such as liver damage, cirrhosis, or liver cancer.