The Hepatitis D RNA test used to confirm the presence of the virus that causes Hepatitis D, in the serum or blood plasma. This test is performed on a sample of blood taken from the patient during the test, to measure the level of Hepatitis RNA in the sample.
Hepatitis D is caused by the presence of a small circular incomplete RNA virus, that can propagate and replicate only when accompanied by the hepatitis B virus envelope proteins. The transmission of this virus can occur either via simultaneous infection along with the hepatitis B virus or can be superimposed on the chronic hepatitis B infection.
The contraction of this Hepatitis D virus can increase the probability of either experiencing liver failure in acute infections or develops an increased chance of liver cancer. Hence this test is carried out not only to detect the virus, but also during and after receiving treatment for it.