HBV Profile Test

A Hepatitis B Virus test also known as HBV test is a blood test that determines whether there is an active hepatitis B infection. It may also be used to detect if there was an infection in the past. Hepatitis is a condition characterized by the inflammation and enlargement of the liver. HBV is usually spread by coming in contact with the blood of an infected person. The HBV infections have a varying course range lasting from a mild form that lasts only a few weeks to chronic form which may last years. The HBV infection may be acute or chronic.

It is recommended that you wear a sleeveless or short-sleeved shirt or a full-sleeved shirt with sleeves rolled up to enable easy withdrawal of blood from your arm. No test preparation is required. There are no dietary restrictions that you have to follow before the test. Certain medications that you are currently taking may affect the test results. So, make sure to inform your doctor regarding all the medications, vitamins, herbs and supplements you are taking. In case the blood withdrawn is to be used for further tests, your doctor will inform you the necessary preparations in prior.

The hepatitis B virus test is used for various reasons. It may be used to determine the following, To check whether acute symptoms are due to HBV infection For diagnosing chronic HBV hepatitis To monitor chronic condition of hepatitis B infection and effectiveness of treatment To identify previous exposure to hepatitis B infection To determine if a person is carrier of the infection during blood transfusion

The HBV test detects level of HBe antigen and antibody and HBV DNA. If HBeAg becomes negative and anti-HBe becomes positive, this indicates that treatment is effective. A high result of HBV DNA indicates that the virus is actively replicating and the treatment is not effective.

A few millilitres of blood sample is required for this test. This will be obtained directly from your arm. The insertion site is prepared for the withdrawal of blood. An elastic band is wrapped around your arm to make the veins swell with blood. The site to be injected is cleansed with antiseptic.

The needle is inserted into the vein and a tube attached to the needle is then filled up with blood. A gauze pad or cotton ball is placed over the punctured area as the needle is removed. The sample is transferred to the laboratory for further examination.