Hepatitis B Virus - Viral Load, Quantitative (PCR)
Understanding Hepatitis B Virus - Viral Load, Quantitative (PCR)
What is Hepatitis B Virus - Viral Load, Quantitative (PCR)?
An 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.
Hepatitis B virus infection, or HBV, is a viral infection that affects the liver. An 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, this test 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.
It is essential to be proactive in the management of hepatitis B, especially if it is a chronic infection. An informed approach and timely medical intervention can significantly help in preventing the complications associated with this infection.
What is Hepatitis B Virus - Viral Load, Quantitative (PCR) used for?
An Hepatitis B Virus - Viral Load, Quantitative (PCR) test is done:
- To assess disease progression and treatment efficacy in individuals with chronic hepatitis B.
- To identify individuals at higher risk of liver-related complications and initiate appropriate interventions.
- To assess the risk of transmission in pregnant women with chronic hepatitis B.
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.
Interpreting Hepatitis B Virus - Viral Load, Quantitative (PCR) results
Interpretations
|
RESULT in IU/mL |
REMARKS |
|
Target not detected |
The sample provided does not contain HBV DNA |
|
<20 |
HBV DNA detected, but below the lower limit of the linear range of the assay. These results should be interpreted with caution |
|
>=20 to < 1.7 x 108 |
HBV DNA detected within the linear range of the assay |
|
>=1.7 x 108 |
HBV DNA detected above the linear range of the assay |
-
The linear reporting range of the assay is 20 - 1.7 x 108 IU/mL
-
Conversion factor: 1 IU/mL = 5.82 copies / mL
Results are categorized into 3 levels
-
Low or undetectable viral load means that the lab equipment cannot detect it, and viral load is less than approximately 300 copies/mL
-
Moderate levels are about 10,000 – 90,000 copies/mL
-
High levels indicate quantities over 100,000 copies/mL, which is considered clinically significant
Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Hepatitis B Virus - Viral Load, Quantitative (PCR)
Frequently Asked Questions about Hepatitis B Virus - Viral Load, Quantitative (PCR)
Q. What is the full form of HBV?
Q. Why do I need an Hepatitis B Virus - Viral Load, Quantitative (PCR) test during the treatment of HBV infection?
Q. Why is measuring viral load important in the case of pregnancy?
Q. Can an Hepatitis B Virus - Viral Load, Quantitative (PCR) test be used to diagnose hepatitis B infection?
Q. What does it mean if the viral load is undetectable?
Q. What are the symptoms of hepatitis B infection?
Q. How long does it take for the symptoms to show up after getting infected with a hepatitis B virus?
Q. How is hepatitis B transmitted?
Q. Can hepatitis B spread through food or water?
Q. How long is hepatitis B infectious?
Q. How can I prevent hepatitis B infection?
Q. What are the types of hepatitis viruses?
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References
- Bárcena Marugán R, García Garzón S. DNA-guided hepatitis B treatment, viral load is essential, but not sufficient. World J Gastroenterol. 2009 Jan 28;15(4):423-30. [Accessed 03 Oct. 2023]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2653363/
- Guvenir M, Arikan A. Hepatitis B Virus: From Diagnosis to Treatment. Pol J Microbiol. 2020 Dec;69(4):391-399. [Accessed 03 Oct. 2023]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7812357/
- Hepatitis B [Internet]. World Health Organization; 12 July 2023 [Accessed 03 Oct.2023]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hepatitis-b
- Hepatitis B [Internet]. CDC; 09 Mar. 2023 [Accessed 03 Oct. 2023]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hbv/index.htm#:~:text=Hepatitis%20B%20is%20a%20vaccine,someone%20who%20is%20not%20infected
- Song JE, Kim DY. Diagnosis of hepatitis B. Ann Transl Med. 2016 Sep;4(18):338. [Accessed 03 Oct. 2023]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5066055/#r8
- Hepatitis B [Internet]. Healthdirect; July 2022 [Accessed 03 Oct. 2023]. Available from: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hepatitis-b
- Krajden M, McNabb G, Petric M. The laboratory diagnosis of hepatitis B virus. Can J Infect Dis Med Microbiol. 2005 Mar;16(2):65-72. [Accessed 03 Oct. 2023]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2095015/
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